Elko, Nev., OKs Break on Brothel License Fees

ELKO, Nev.—Brothels in Elko will receive a break on license fees because of the pandemic. Elko’s City Council agreed on Tuesday to forgive brothel fees for one quarter of the year. The annual fee for brothel licenses in Elko is $6,500. Brothels in the state were closed May 17 under orders from Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak and still have not been allowed to reopen. Brothel owners in Elko—Louis Goldberg of Mona’s Ranch and Inez’s D&D Bar, George Tate of Sue’s Fantasy Club and Kathleen Ornelas of Desert Rose—requested relief for license fees due June 30 in advance for July 1 through Dec. 31. The brothel owners had requested a six-month break, but instead received a $1,625 forbearance for the quarter. At a public hearing on Tuesday, Goldberg said his brothel has received “no guidance” from Sislolak, so he is not clear whether his properties will be allowed to open in the next phase that is scheduled to start June 30. Brothels also will receive help on liquor license fees. The council decided to waive liquor fees for the quarter beginning July 1 for brothels and one nightclub in town. The fee for liquor licenses is $222 per quarter. There are about 20 legal brothels in the state of Nevada.