Amsterdam Closing Red Light District

Amsterdam’s Red-light district, the famous DeWallen district, may look quite different in the future if an ordinance is passed to close brothel window curtains permanently. This measure aims to combat nuisance tourism and cater to the #MeToo movement. Currently, curtains are only closed when sex workers are absent or busy. If the municipal council votes to keep them permanently shut, clients would book appointments through a QR code on their smartphones instead of being able to entice potential customers from the window.

Some sex workers have voiced opposition to the proposal, arguing it could hurt their business and make them less safe by preventing them from assessing potential dangers a client might pose. However, politicians in favor of the new process believe that online bookings will clean up nuisance tourism and change people’s perception of the city.

In addition to the new measure, other changes will crack down on nuisance tourism, including banning marijuana smoking in public areas, closing bars at 2 a.m. instead of 4 a.m., and closing window brothels at 3 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. The overall campaign to clean up the red-light district is known as the “stay away” campaign, discouraging tourists from coming to the area for unlawful activities.

Amsterdam’s red-light district has a long history, dating back to the 16th century, when the Dutch East India Company established its headquarters in the city. Sailors and traders visited the area, and the red-light district became a hub for prostitution. Over time, it has become a popular tourist attraction and has been plagued by problems like human trafficking, drug use, and nuisance tourism.

As the city prepares to vote on this new measure, it remains to be seen whether it will effectively clean up the red-light district while still ensuring the safety and well-being of sex workers.

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