Council cracks down on Amsterdam brothels

21 June 2006

AMSTERDAM — One in five brothels in Amsterdam face closure as the local authority is refusing to renew their operating licences, it was reported on Wednesday. Many of the clubs are based in the Dutch capital's famous Red Light District.

The city council said it has refused to issue licences to 37 of the 170 brothels and sex clubs in Amsterdam because of suspicions they are not complying with the rules.

The owners have been granted a "short time" to prove they are not flouting the regulations. The chance they will be able to do this is "very small", a council spokesperson said.

Establishments that fail to get a licence will be forced to close their doors after the
summer, website nu.nl reported.

Amsterdam is using the 'Bibob' legislation to block the issuing of the licences. This legislation makes it easier for local authorities to investigate criminal practices in cases where a permit or subsidy is issued by the city or town.

Businesses involved in the hospitality, gambling and sex industries are most often the target because they are considered to be particularly prone to criminal activity.

The recently appointed executive of Amsterdam Council has decided to focus its efforts on rooting out criminals operating in the Red Light District. Hotels, restaurants and sex cinemas in the area will be targeted for investigated next.

[Copyright Expatica News 2006]

maybe this is a good thing to get rid of some of the skanks around which have surfaced over the passed couple of years. I dont think they can ever close it down completely.