Laurie Merrill

The Arizona Republic

Just in time for 2015 Super Bowl XLIX, a Nevada businessman wants to spend $500,000 to open a brothel in Phoenix.

"Phoenix has a problem and I want to help ... fix it," said Dennis Hof, founder of the Moonlite Bunny Ranch near Carson City. "I want to put a brothel in the Phoenix area."

A legitimate business, he said, could help clean up the underground sex industry. It could provide another activity for tourists traveling for the 2015 Super Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.

"Let's get rid of all the pimps and the criminal activities," said Hof, who was born in Arizona in 1946. The prostitutes would be licensed and tested weekly for sexually transmitted diseases, Hof said.

Hof said he plans to submit a proposal to Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton by the end of the week. Stanton's office essentially said don't bother, there's no need to waste anyone's time.

As for Phoenix police, Sgt. Steve Martos said that both prostitution — and offering money to allow it — are illegal.

"There will be no bunnies in Arizona," Martos told 12 News. "The law is the law here in Arizona and we are going to enforce it as it is."

12 News contributed to this report.