Amsterdam to clamp down on sex shops, brothels, dope cafes

[AfterGlow]

Smokers in one of the cafes that will be targeted by authorities in the Netherlands.

updated 10:10 a.m. EST, Sat December 6, 2008

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- Amsterdam unveiled plans Saturday to close brothels, sex shops and marijuana cafes in its ancient city center as part of a major effort to drive organized crime out of the tourist haven.

The city is targeting businesses that "generate criminality," including gambling parlors, and the "coffee shops" where marijuana is sold openly. Also targeted are peep shows, massage parlors and souvenir shops used by drug dealers for money-laundering.

"I think that the new reality will be more in line with our image as a tolerant and crazy place, rather than a free zone for criminals," said Lodewijk Asscher, a city council member and one of the main proponents of the plan.

The news comes just one day after Amsterdam's mayor said he would search for loopholes in new rules laid down by the national government that would close marijuana cafes near schools citywide. The measures announced Saturday would affect about 36 coffee shops in the center itself, a little less than 20 percent of the city total.

Asscher underlined that the city center will remain true to its freewheeling reputation.

"It'll be a place with 200 windows [for prostitute]) and 30 coffee shops, which you can't find anywhere else in the world -- very exciting, but also with cultural attractions," he said. "And you won't have to be embarrassed to say you came."

Under the plan announced Saturday, Amsterdam will spend €30 million to €40 million ($38 million to $51 million) to bring hotels, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques to the center. It will also build underground parking areas.

Amsterdam had plans to close many brothels and some coffee shops, but those announced Saturday go further.

Asscher said the city would reshape the area, using zoning rules, buying out businesses and offering assistance to upgrade stores. The city has shut brothels and sex clubs in the past by relying on a law allowing the closure of businesses with bookkeeping irregularities.

Prostitution will be allowed only in two areas in the district, notably De Wallen ("The Walls"), a web of streets and alleys around the city's medieval retaining dam walls. The area has been a center of prostitution since before the city's golden shipping age in the 1600s.

Prostitution was legalized in the Netherlands in 2000, formalizing a long-standing tolerance policy.

Marijuana is technically illegal in the Netherlands, but prosecutors won't press charges for possession of small amounts. Coffee shops are able to sell it openly.

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[phr]

"And you won't have to be embarrassed to say you came."

Ha, just the opposite.

Amsterdam unveiled plans Saturday to close brothels, sex shops and marijuana cafes in its ancient city center as part of a major effort to drive organized crime out of the tourist haven.

Cause the tourists aren't going to seek them out. I always thought a bunch of them went there just for those things...

 

[xtimex]

It will be a said day when Amsterdam is no longer a mecca for cannabis smokers. I doubt the tourist will be flying to Amsterdam 'just' to see Ann Franks house or the Van Gogh Museum. They go for the Red Light district and pot. Of course it seems like they've been trying to cut down coffee shop numbers for the last 10 years.

 

[ChemicalOne]

aside from the sad part(especially since I'm trying to organize my visit to the 'Dam for 2009)...anybody else see the potential for major politickin' going on here? meaning most will be closed....but some will remain. And those that remain will probably reap HUGE benefits from reduced competition?

I mean...you narrow it down to 200 windows and 30 coffee shops, and those 200 and 30 are gonna make MAJOR bank unless Amsterdam sullies itself as a destination completely. And reputation alone would probably carry them on for at least a few years even after that. Wonder who decides who stays and who goes? and who really profits?

I also like how he cites wanting to bring people for the 'cultural attractions'....but the plans are slated

... to bring hotels, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques to the center. It will also build underground parking areas.

. Other than the art galleries....and these days you could easily question their value compared to an art museum etc....but it has 'art' in the name right? But other than that....just raw consumerism. Which coffee shops and prostitutes were a part of surely, but somehow this is morally superior? At least coffee shops and prostitution are honest.

I mean if two beautiful hookers were in front of you , you wouldn't pay twice as much for one just so you could brag she was the one with the authentic Gucci label on her ass. Or pay more for a joint because it was DG...even tho' the AK-47 had your ass twice as stoned.

Or would u? Undoubtedly some would....and THEY are the problem.