Brief Sexworkers inzake suggesties om overlast te voorkomen

September 19, 2023

Dear Mayor Halsema and members of the city council, Window workers have made it clear that we do not oppose an erotic center, as we see the need for more work spaces. However, we vehemently reject the condition that windows must close in order for such a center to be built. We would be eager to help the city build an erotic center if this condition is removed. Therefore, in the most recent meeting between the mayor and window workers on August 29, 2023, we offered to come up with suggestions on how to combat overcrowding in De Wallen. We have already made previous suggestions, such as opening more windows (originally Scenario 4 in the mayor's 5 proposed scenarios from 2019) and taking a festival approach to dealing with large crowds (as is already applied in Leidseplein and Rembrandplein). Since our previous suggestions have not been considered, and because we feel passionately about keeping windows but also improving the livability of De Wallen, we present the following additional recommendations: A. Reopen the windows in Sint Annakwartier. This would spread foot traffic throughout a larger area. It has the bonus effect of making that area safer for residents, many of whom complained in the Leefbaarheidspanel that they feel less safe in those streets since the windows there closed. B. Install more lights and cameras on the streets.

This would deter dealers from congregating and allow for surveillance over misbehavior also on behalf of tourists. C. Either hire new hosts or obligate the current ones to prevent drunk and disorderly visitors from entering the red light district. These hosts must be trained by sex workers. D. Install bike barriers on streets leading into the red light district. This would slow the flow of traffic entering the area. However, these barriers must be able to move/open so police and ambulances can easily access the inner area. They should also be open during the day so residents can easily go to and from their homes. E. Increase and operationalize communication between relevant parties in the red light district, i.e. brothel owners, other business owners, hosts, and handhaving/police. F. Retrain handhaving so that they actually enforce already existing rules like no drinking, smoking, and peeing in public. Without proper enforcement, policies only serve a symbolic purpose and will not create any meaningful or lasting change. G. Forbid cruise ships from docking in Amsterdam and eradicate the number of parking spots for tour buses in the city center. Both cruise ships and tour buses bring large groups of tourists to De Wallen. H.

Work with tour companies and hotels to promote other areas of the city and inform visitors of city rules and how to behave properly when visiting the red light district. Companies could be given an incentive to do so, such as a special certificate for cooperating parties.

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I. Promote other areas and attractions in Amsterdam. This could be done through an official mobile app that provides real-time information about tourist hotspots, including crowd levels, wait times, and suggestions for less crowded attractions. J. Use messaging apps and chatbots to provide tourists with real-time updates, answer questions, and offer guidance on responsible behavior. K. Use technology, like geolocation services, to manage the crowds. This could be done by using real-time traffic monitoring and digital signage using traffic levels. Data could then be used to effectively manage and prevent over-crowding. In addition, we want to stress that we are against the current early closing times for windows during the weekends and the proposal to have the curtains closed. In order to work together to build an erotic center, we insist that these two measures be removed. Thank you for taking the time to read the aforementioned recommendations. We hope that you take them into serious consideration and we are happy to further discuss any or all of them in detail. Sincerely, Sex workers in Amsterdam

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