Beer Costs 50 cents, Leer Free

Our American correspondent reports:

Sixty years ago a nickel beer bought a free lunch in almost any saloon, but today in Hollywood a noon-time 50-cent beer provides a free leer at near-nude models.

It's South California's latest contribution to culture.

Restaurants throughout the area provide statuesque models in topless bathing suits, bikinis and lingerie who mingle with diners, chatting, flirting and playing hobnob with midday business discussions.

Some restaurants even provide belly dancers to break the monotony of blue plate specials. The trend began two years ago when the noon-hour fashion show, originally established to bring in feminine trade, began to include bathing suits and modest lingerie, nightgowns, peignoirs and such.

Emboldened by the number of businessmen who flocked in for the "fashion shows," some restaurants began outfitting their buxom models in bikinis and panties and bras.

When the topless swimsuit was introduced it was a natural.

The Telephone Booth on the Sunset Strip features three models daily, all nude from the waist up. They are called hostesses, and are allowed to pour coffee but not serve food. They parade around from table to table, inquiring after the patron's health, family, and the state of the union.

Waitresses at the Telephone Booth are demurely dressed in bra and panties.

Customers most frequently ask hostesses and waitresses "How did a girl like you get a job like this?"

"It's a living," is one answer. "The hours are great," is another. Pay varies from about £1/10/ - per hour up.

The Quail is a larger establishment in the San Fernando Valley. Lunch hour there is enlivened by a pair of belly dancers who twirl and undulate on a small stage to the strains of recorded hoochy-koochy music.

Models in topless attire chat with diners, most always men. Because the Quail is located in an industrial section, the clientele is less sophisticated in appearance than some of the others.