Amsterdam is removing sex workers from its red light windows

Amsterdam has unveiled plans for a new ‘erotic centre’, which will see the end of sex workers in the red light district.

The Netherlands' capital has a reputation for being the ‘city of sin’, where tourists are legally able to do a lot of things that are banned in countries like the UK, such as smoking marijuana.

One of the city's biggest attractions for tourists is the red light district, where sex workers stand in windows with red lights around them, waiting for their next customer.

Mayor Femke Halsema wants to uproot the attraction out of the city centre, and has put forward plans for a new ‘erotic centre’ located on the outskirts of the much-loved city.

The city’s executive has said the Europa Boulevard in the South district is a ‘more suitable location’ for sex workers and their customers.

In a statement, it added: “This choice will now be presented to the city council early next year.”

But what would the so-called ‘erotic centre’ look like?

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Well, the plan claims the centre would have 100 rooms for sex workers, alongside sex theatres, restaurants, and clubs.

The city administration added: “Windows of the erotic centre will only be located inside the building [In contrast to the red light district].

“In this way we want to combat sightseeing tourism and keep disruptive groups away.”

But it seems as though locals aren’t exactly keen on their area seeing an influx in sex workers and the so-called ‘disruptive’ groups that follow them.

Instead of moving the attraction outside of the city, some people are simply calling for better crowd control and police enforcement in De Wallen, which is the geographical name for the red light district.

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Amsterdam has been on a mission to change its perception with neighbouring European countries, and launched a ‘stay away’ campaign, discouraging stag nights and large groups of boozy tourists - particularly targeting British men aged 18-35.

Moving the red light district would be another effort to transform its image.

However, in the meantime, it could be good news for the locals who are against the plans for the new centre.

This is because if the plans do go through early next year, at a minimum the centre will take about seven years to build and open.

Topics: Travel, World News

Mia Williams

Mia is a freelance writer for LADBible, and an award-winning trainee journalist at the UK’s No.1 journalism school, News Associates.

@mia_francessca