Editorial: Where is the Strip heading?

Sunday, May 21, 2006 | 7:37 a.m.

We wouldn't suggest that Strip casinos go back 15 years and again begin marketing themselves as family fare. But how far in the other direction should they be going? It is a question raised by Sheriff Bill Young's recent comments to the Las Vegas Sun, in the wake of his announcement not to seek re-election.

Some of what Young said: "There are limos going to and from the hotels to the topless bars ... That whole industry of outcall entertainment, they've beaten the prostitution statute here ... The nightclub industry. Now there are 30 or 40 of them. They party all night. The drugs, the prostitution in and around that whole scenario out on the Strip - I'm a little concerned ... The 'What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas' mentality: People come here who just do whatever they want. There are no rules here. I'm a little worried about it."

We believe everyone should be worried. Do we really want Las Vegas to be the weekend destination for thousands of strippers and prostitutes from Southern California? Do we want drug dealers making a grand living from our hotel guests?

Young said another thing that worries him is the number of juveniles on the Strip these days. He recalled the days when a curfew on children was enforced. "Parents don't keep their kids at home" anymore, Young said. Are the current nighttime activities on the Strip appropriate for teenagers? For that matter, are they appropriate for tourists? Most enjoy slots and shops, but we suspect they are not thrilled with the waves of oversexed, drugged-out club hoppers.

We believe a community dialogue is needed, one that includes executives of the Strip hotels. When a sheriff who has grown up in this town makes the kind of remarks that he did, we should listen - and respond.