Amsterdam to curb red light district
AMSTERDAM – Amsterdam’s infamous red light district is under threat as city officials threaten a clean up of the popular tourist area.
Prostitution in the canal-side Wallen district was legalised in 2000 after operating in the area for a century, but now the city fathers plan to buy out 18 brothels that feature street side windows where scantily clad prostitutes wait for customers.
USA Today quoted Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen, who said, “We’re tightening policies in the red-light district to reduce crime and reduce the number of brothels. It’s not our intention to eliminate prostitution.”
The move would clear about a third of the district’s brothels to make room for housing or new businesses.
One brothel owner said, “They want to close us. We pay taxes but they really want to get rid of us because they don’t like it.”
USA Today said that prostitutes working in the red light area rent windows and rooms from owners by the day. Brothel owners charge US$85 to US$155 for a window for an eight-hour shift.
Prostitutes are liable for 19 percent sales tax on fees for their services and 30-35 percent in income taxes. Prostitutes typically charge US$50 to US$70 for sex, the report noted.
Ian Jarrett
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