Skimpy skirts and revealing tops are making way for designer gowns and luxury handbags in Amsterdam’s red-light district as the area tries to ditch its seedy image. Fifteen young Dutch designers opened stores in former brothels this weekend, displaying their creations in the tall windows where prostitutes recently sat touting for business. “It is time for a change here,” said Lodewijk Asscher, the deputy mayor of Amsterdam, at the launch of the city-backed fashion push. ” Amsterdammers ought to able to feel proud of this area.” The city council is getting tough on the 800-year-old red-light district, pledging to stamp out crime and human trafficking by revoking the licences of suspect sex clubs and brothels – including some of the industry’s best-known names. Many in the tourist industry acknowledge that the red-light district – a warren of narrow alleys and canals lined with sex shops, peep shows and brothels – is as big an attraction as art museums and coffee shops where marijuana is smoked. “They’d lose so much money if they shut it down,” said Max, 25, an English tourist, who admitted the drugs and women had attracted him to Amsterdam.
*Sniff*, is nothing sacred?
This is just my luck. I’ve never had a chance to visit Amsterdam, and now… by the time I do, there won’t be a POINT. :\
Don’t worry, there will always be whores. Plus they have good weed.
@ #2
Well, that cheers me up a little i guess.
Great, just great. Freakin’ yuppie boutiques. Why not just go to San Francisco? At least Mitchell Bros. is still there.
Well, when I was there, there were dozens after dozens of red light establishments. I don’t think a dozen clothes shops make a dent. Even the original post says Amsterdam can’t lose that revenue and tourist draw–so it “might” move a bit, but I think it will always be there.
Yes–prostitution is a terrible thing. Low crime, tourist attraction, no pimps, constant health checks. They should outlaw it and drive it underground for the children, like we do. Insane to let people be free to do what they want to do and regulate, tax, and make it safe.
High five #2! Er, for the weed…
“It is time for a change here,” said Lodewijk Asscher.
Any compulsive murdurers reading this wondering who to kill next? Anyone?
#4. Bubba, the nice thing about Amsterdam is its unionized, legal, and safe. Ahem, at least thats what I’ve been told.
#1, The hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary is a worthy reason to visit Amsterdam. It is a museum now. Very poignant visit.
#9. Thanks.
#5 – bobbo
“Yes–prostitution is a terrible thing. Low crime, tourist attraction, no pimps, constant health checks. They should outlaw it and drive it underground for the children, like we do. Insane to let people be free to do what they want to do and regulate, tax, and make it safe.”
A-MEN!, Brother B.
And if Satan gets ahold of you, and you can’t resist that evil, unnatural urge to have sex, then just go get married.
If it ain’t broke . Don’t fix it.
No one I know is going over there for a handbag.
#11 – How the hell is getting married going to help the urge to have sex?
Aaah… Bibble-thumpers? Who want prostitution to be illegal? Because sex outside of marriage is a “sin”? Who want a secular society’s laws to enforce their religious beliefs?
D’ya get it now? I think everyone else got it the first go-round…
#13 – If you have a sex addiction you can get married and taper off like everyone else. After awhile you forget about the duct tape, Mazzola, feathers and such.
Shutting down brothels? Doesn’t the Dutch government want entrepreneurship? Or does it just want classy types?
Snobs.
#8, McCullough,
Unionized? Whoa! I wonder if they need a computer guy to help ’em keep the productivity stats and books. Kinda redefines “fringe benefits”, doesn’t it? 🙂
Hey a lot of cities make their money with tourism. If it wasn’t for tourists, Atlantic City would be an empty lot. Much like today’s Asbury Park
Take it from a Dutch guy, prostitution in Amsterdam will always be there! It will just migrate to different parts of Amsterdam. The city ain’t that big so tourists will still be able to get their rocks off within walking distance of the centre…
Gentrification is a bitch, ain’t it?
Well, at least Australia still has legal brothels. Thank God the Aussies have common sense.
#19
A dutch cop buddy of mine told me that Cologne in Germany is an even bigger Gay capital city of the world.
Red Light District is a lifetime experience!
But, to be sure to have a unforgettable time, you should check out this guide: http://theredlightdistrictguide.com