Letter: Touch of class is sorely missed

Friday, Sept. 9, 2005 | 10:05 a.m.

I have to disagree with the idea expressed in Sun reporter Liz Benston's story regarding the dress code for George Clooney's planned Las Vegas resort ("Dress code idea for planned casino could get cold shoulder," Aug. 30).

My husband and I took a trip to Las Vegas in early August and we were appalled by the lack of decorum in many of the higher-rated restaurants and clubs; we always enjoyed dressing for dinner and other outings, and it was rather disconcerting to be seated for dinner in an upscale restaurant next to a table filled with people wearing ratty shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops. I mean, come on people! I know you're on vacation, but you're in a high-end establishment -- not on a camping trip! We both agreed that decorum and class seems to be somewhat lost on today's society.

We are both in our early 40s -- not fuddy-duddy old people by any means. Nor are we absurdly wealthy. We cannot afford to go to Vegas often, but when we do go, we expect upscale clientele in an upscale establishment to act and dress accordingly.

On the flight home we discussed this very subject, and we both agreed that if a casino opened up in Las Vegas that enforced a dress code, did away with all the noisy slot-machines and other lowbrow entertainment, and instead had clean poker rooms and blackjack tables and well- appointed bars and restaurants, we'd pack his silk dinner jacket and my best cocktail dress and be the first on the guest list!

JULIE O'MALLEY Van Nuys, Calif.