According to the European drug regulator, it doesn’t want a red-light area near its post-Brexit headquarters at Amsterdam.
According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), it is concerned about “nuisance and drug-dealing”, drunkenness, and disorderly behavior.
Femke Halsema is the Amsterdam mayor and wants to create a multi-storey, “erotic center” to replace its central red light area.
However, she is facing strong opposition from locals to the proposed centre where legalized prostitution could take place.
The EMA now joins the criticism by stating that the current problems plaguing the red-light area would simply be transferred into a new location.
It stated in a statement that “locating the Erotic Centre within close proximity to EMA’s building is likely will bring the same negative effects to the adjacent area.”
After the UK’s exit from the EU, the EMA relocated its headquarters to Amsterdam’s Zuidas district. Zuidas is just one of many locations being considered for the erotic center.
Amsterdam officials in 2021 agreed to relocate the red-light district, which was causing rising crime and overcrowding along the narrow canalside roads.
They asked architects to design a building that would house sex services as well as bars, entertainment centres and other facilities.
Ms Halsema stated that she wanted to improve the lives of sex workers as well as reduce the influence of organized crime.
She told The Observernewspaper that she hopes it is possible to create an erotic center with some class and distinction.
She admitted she knew many residents wouldn’t want it near them.
Amsterdam made it unlawful to smoke cannabis in Amsterdam’s red light district. It also restricted the hours of bars and restaurants.
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