Amsterdam to close many brothels, marijuana cafes

[katty]

Amsterdam to close many brothels, marijuana cafes



Dec 6, 9:34 AM (ET)

By TOBY STERLING

more: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20081206/D94T8T200.html

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 so-called "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.

[progdonkey]

1. "a tolerant and crazy place"

I love the Dutch. :rofl:

[katty]

2. yes, they are fun

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Ah, if prostitution and grass is legal there, how does it "attract criminals"?

I don't get it.

[Uncle Joe]

5. At one time unions attracted criminals, Jimmy Hoffa anyone?

The same can be said for politics, religion and gambling.

That doesn't mean unions, politics, religion or gambling should be illegal.

I believe crime flows like water to whatever place poses the least resistance.

[4_TN_TITANS]

4. Sad news...

I have fond memories of Amsterdam, what a party town.

[Botany]

6. Damn that Rove