Lyon may raise age of prostitutes to 21

MOUND HOUSE -- Lyon County officials are considering raising the youngest age someone can become a prostitute from 18 to 21.

Current employees under 21 years old would not be affected.

Proposed changes would also allow prostitutes to work in one or more licensed establishments under the same ownership if the employee receives a separate work card for each establishment. Dennis Hof, owner of the Moonlite Bunnyranch and Kitty's, requested this change. He is the only dual owner among the four legal brothels, all located in Mound House.

A fee of $50 must be paid to the Sheriff's Department for each change.

Current regulations state no prostitute may be issued a work card if:

-- Ever convicted of any crime involving sale or furnishing of illegal drugs.

-- Convicted of possession of drugs within the past five years.

-- Convicted of embezzlement within the past three years.

-- Convicted of a misdemeanor theft or shoplifting within the last year.

-- Convicted of a crime involving use of a deadly weapon against a person.

A proposed change in the ordinance would prohibit work cards to anyone ever convicted of a felony. Under current regulations, anyone convicted of a felony in the past five years cannot receive a card.

A new subsection is proposed that specifically prohibits "out-dates." It reads, "It is unlawful to engage in or consummate an act of prostitution or solicitation thereof, except within the premises of the licensed establishment for which the prostitute is registered."

A public hearing will be held at 10:15 a.m. Thursday in the Administrative Complex, 27 South Main St., Yerington. For information, call 577-5037 (Dayton/Silver Springs) or 463-6531.

If you go

What: Lyon County commission

When: 10:15 a.m. Thursday

Where: 27 S. Main St. Yerington