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By LINDA MILLERSUN Staff WriterThe tradition of wedding bells that ring round-the-clock in Las Vegas may soon be broken.In a reported cost-savingstep, the Clark County Marriage License Bureau may close its doors on a 24-hour operation and switch to a 16-hour service. And, with that closing may go the world.A •tal. local wedding chapel proprietors say.An ordinance that wouldbring about the change wasintroduced at Tuesday’sClark County commission meeting and will be up forpublic hearing at 11:45 a m May 18.Why take away an image we re famous for?” demanded Jim Duszynski, owner of Silver Bell Wedding Chapel, 607 Las Vegas Blvd. South. People like the idea you can do anything anytime in Las Vegas. They'll be taking away one of the unique privileges in this town.More than 25 weddingchapels line the Strip and adjacent streets, attracting some 50,000 couples annually, according to statistics. The gaming resort has long held the title for being tops in the marriage business.Duszynski said about halfhis business is conducted in the early morning hours, particularly in the summer when those tying the knot want to escape the Las Vegas heat. He said regardless of what the marriage license office does, his Silver Bell will keep a 24-hour operation.Some other chapel owners indicated they, too. may remain open. A few said they would agree with reducing the licensing hours Sunday night through Thursday, but they fear the change may cut a big gouge into the plans for weekend nuptials.Clark County Clerk Loretta Bowman said the licensing bureau is losing money by staying open round— the-clock. The reason: “a drastic drop in the number of marriages.”Bowman had no specific figures on how much thecutback in hours will save the county. She indicated the change won’t mean a reduction in personnel, as those working the late shift will be transfered to other slots in the clerk’s office.The county clerk also said she has been concerned about the lack of security, with few persons in the courthouse, during the early morning hours.But, the move to cut back the hours actually came in a brainstorming session among department heads earlier this year in preparingthe Fiscal '76 budgetThe county found itself in a budget crunch, with all department heads forced to chop 10 per cent from what thev considered a bare bonesVbudget.“'It’s going to be a detriment to the wedding business in general, says A. J.Barnhart, president of the local 16-member Wedding Chapel Association.Barnhart estimated the Clark County Courthouse is the scene of 35 per cent of the wedding ceremonies, while local chapels.churches, hotels and private homes are the scene of the remaining 65 per cent. He had no figure on exactly what percentage the chapels handle‘ The main thing is the tourists come in town and they want to get married here because it's no fuss or bother for them.” Nathan Coulter, manager of the Candlelight Wedding Chapel. 2835 Las Vegas Blvd South, said One of the key points about Las Vegas is they can do it anytime. It s a great service to them (tourists).Coulter feels the changein licensing hours will affect the ability of the town to respond to the needs of the tourist ” He suggested his chapel .too, will remain open regardlessIt will have a damaging effect on the industry, declared Rick Trusdell. president of the Chapel of Bells. 2233 Las Vegas Blvd South That's the whole thing that brings many people to Las Vegas Some 10 per cent of the tourist dollar comes in because of weddings
Newspaper Details
Las Vegas Sun
Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Wed, May 05, 1976
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Jacki G.
NA, 26 Jun 2019
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