Tackling crime in the red light district.

25 Jun, 2006

The Amsterdam city council has refused to renew the operating licences of 37 of the citys 170 brothels on the grounds that they may be involved in criminal activity. The decision was enacted under the new Bibob legislation which facilitates investigation into criminal practices where the operating permit is issued by the local authorities. However, the establishments in question have a brief period of grace during which they can try to prove that they are not breaking any laws. The clean-up campaign by the city council aims to root out criminal activity in all sectors of the hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants, cafes and porn cinemas in the red light district will be targeted next.