No hashish joints or legal hookers? Come on, Vegas, loosen up a little!!!

Isn't just like our uptight neighbours to the south?

Here comes a very modest proposal that would surely mean increased business during times, and those Puritan Americans turn it down just because there's a little drugs and sex involved.

The latest news out of Las Vegas concerns a newspaper/television poll that found a strong majority of folks are against legalizing marijuana bars and legalizing prostitution to boost tourism. Interestingly, 64 per cent of respondents said they didn't want Dutch-style hash and marijuana bars in Las Vegas, while 79 per cent said they didn't want brothels in Clark County.

So I guess they object to dope less than they do legalized prostitution, even though prostitution already is legal in parts of Nevada, as readers of Star Travel would know if they read Pat Brennan's recent piece on the famous Mustang Ranch near Reno. And even though Vegas, I'm told, is crawling with hookers.

Actually, I can see their point. I wouldn't mind legalized prostitution. I mean, hello, it's not like it doesn't go on. I don't know about hash bars, but I can certainly see legalizing personal use of marijuana.

Anyway, I do find it a bit amusing to see the reaction from folks in Vegas, of all places. I suspect that there are quite a few bedrock conservatives, which is true for much of western North America when you get right down to it.

"Things are maybe a little desperate in Clark County these days, but I don't think they're quite that desperate yet," said pollster Brad Coker of Mason-Dixon Polling and Research.

Speaking of Vegas, Star Travel restaurant guy Richard Ouzounian sent me an email today to point out that Harrah's in Vegas is launching an all-day UNLIMITED ACCESS to dine in seven resort buffet restaurants with the Buffet of Buffets pass. The deal can be purchased for $39.99 for Total Rewards Members and $45.99 for others.

Celebrating the new buffet offer, Harrah’s hotels in Las Vegas are offering special room and buffet packages at any of seven casino-resorts. Packages include a 4-day, 3-night stay and two Buffet of Buffets passes, which provide 24-hour, unlimited access to all seven buffets. Restaurants include Lago Buffet at Caesar's Palace, Le Village Buffet at Paris Las Vegas and the Spice Market Buffet at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.