Amsterdam reins in city’s red light district

AMSTERDAM – In an attempt to control the unruly aspects of prostitution and the proliferation of brothels in Amsterdam’s Centre, officials of the city’s municipal ward have outlined a series of measures in cooperation with the ‘industry’s operators.’ Operators must be reachable at all times when problems occur, they must list their telephone number on their premises, and they must attempt to satisfy area residents in case of complaints. They must record how they resolved problems and are subject to fines if authorities determine their response to the public to be found wanting. Window prostitution especially is a bone of contention. The municipality is also concerned about criminality and the involvement of crime in the sex industry. It withdrew city permits for over 30 operators last year.