Red light district goes for maximum exposure

THERE may be no such thing as a free lunch, but occasionally there’s a cheap feast for the eyes.

Several topless bars, peep shows and sex show clubs in Amsterdam’s famed Red Light prostitution district have declared an open house today hoping to shore up their reputation with local politicians who are calling for a crackdown.

“You can come in, have a free drink, look around,” said Bob de Maan, spokesman for the Banana Bar, which is known for its live sex shows.

“People think that this is something dirty, but now - it’s an open house. They can see for themselves.”

Prostitution in Amsterdam boomed during the city’s 17th-century Golden Age, when prostitutes catered to sailors on shore leave.

With its lingerie-clad women and red neon lights, the area in the city centre became a major tourist draw in the 20th century.

The Dutch government legalised prostitution in 2000 with an eye to making it easier to tax and regulate.

But problems continue as the area attracts pimps, drug addicts, petty criminals and human traffickers.

The open house came in response to proposals by the head of Amsterdam’s largest political party meant to discourage women from marketing themselves in windows.