February 13, 2008

Amsterdam’s red light district to close

The red light district in Amsterdam has been a fixture in the city for what seems forever, in fact the area is a sort of tourism spot, but this type of business always has criminal undertones and it is for this reason that the city council have decided to clear the area. They have already revoked some of the areas licences which have led to these being closed down and gradually they will be buying back much of the property.

However there has been a mixed welcome to these plans, surveys say that sixty seven per cent of the city’s resident are happy to see the back of the industry, but at the same time hotel owners are up in arms because they feel that is the $100 million a year industry is shut down then other businesses will suffer too, such as bars and hotels.

Is this the city officials doing what’s right for the people or for the city, after all with the red light district gone, that will leave a fair amount of property to be developed!

Source [News Week]