VIAGRA IS A BOON FOR BUSINESS, SAY BROTHEL WORKERS

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Stricken with diabetes or heart conditions, maneuvering
canes and wheelchairs, they hobble through the front doors 24 hours a day.
In most cases they are 66 to 96, and are widowed, lonely or unsatisfied
sexually.

At a couple of Nevada's legal brothels, dozens of steamed-up seniors are
using Viagra to put the sex back into sexagenarian, the prostitutes say.

Prostitutes at two brothels near Carson City, Nev., are saying they've seen
a boom in business thanks to Viagra, the little blue impotence pill.

These hookers say many of their clients have renewed their prowess with the
pill. For $500 or more, born-again oldsters are flocking to the brothels
for pricey sessions of passion amid theme rooms and cigar bars.

``It really has done a lot for them physically, mentally and emotionally,''
said ``Lief,'' a 38-year-old prostitute at the Moonlight Bunny Ranch near
Carson City, one of about 30 brothels in the state.

``They are paying more, staying longer. It totally has changed their
self-esteem,'' Lief said.

At the Bunny Ranch one day this week, most of the two dozen prostitutes were
still getting their beauty sleep at noon.

``It was a long night last night,'' boasted brothel manager Suzette Gwin.
``But this is the best thing since prostitution was legalized in 1970.''

Gwin attributes an increase in this month's profits to Viagra.

``On a daily basis, there's been a big increase,'' Gwin said. ``I go by
dollar amounts . . . and there's been a 20 to 30 percent increase.''

One repeat customer, who is 73, has been on Viagra for three weeks. With so
much stamina, the septuagenarian had to extend his session.

Another customer at the Bunny Ranch is in his 80s. He has diabetes and had
to take a drug injection before visits to the ranch.

No more, said Lief. Now she can barely keep up with him.

At Miss Kitty's Guest Ranch, ``Katie'' caters only to sexy seniors, many who
swear by Viagra.

``I specialize in older men,'' said Katie, 47, a longtime prostitute at the
Moundhouse brothel. ``A lot of them are just now starting to find out about
it. It's really the in thing now.''

Despite the prostitutes' testimonials, George Flint, head of the Nevada
Brothel Association, denies that Viagra has created new demand.

``That is complete and unmitigated nonsense,'' said Flint, who says he
represents state brothels as a lobbyist and media representative. ``I'm not
telling you there haven't been a few. . . . But to say it is associated with
a boom or possible impact. . .''

The long-term impact may become apparent soon.

``A lot of my customers got their Social Security checks on the 3rd of
June,'' Katie said. ``Check back with me later this month and I'll let you
know.''

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett