Introduction
The famous Red Light District in Amsterdam, always a place worth visiting. If you are a first timer visiting the region, you will of course have some questions about the legality of different activities taking place in this region. For this article, we will explore what is and isn’t allowed in the Amsterdam Red Light District.
The Legal Framework
One thing you want to make sure you don’t do is understand the legal regulations of the Red Light District in Amsterdam. In the Netherlands, prostitution for instance is legalized and regulated. But some of the things you can do—maybe associated with the district—are not exactly legal.
Prostitution
As long as prostitution takes place in licensed brothels or windows in designated districts, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands: in these districts one finds the Red Light District. Amsterdam sex workers must be over 21 years old, hold a legal residency permit and be working voluntarily.
Cannabis
Although known for its Red Light District, its sale and use of the cannabis is governed under its own legal framework. Small quantities of cannabis (up to 5 gram) are tolerated in the possession and sale in (registered) coffee shops. But they should always bear in mind that it is banned to use cannabis in public space.
Soft Drugs
In the Netherlands, aside from cannabis, there are also ‘soft drugs’ that are sold and consumed on the legal market. Some of them are magic mushrooms and others herbal substances. But while hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin are strictly illegal to sell or possess, the sale or possession of soft drugs is legal.
Activities to Avoid
Some things are legal in the Red Light District, others are not. To make it a safe and enjoyable stay it’s important to know what is prohibited to do.
Non prescribed Drugs Outside Licensed Establishments
Buying or using drugs, including cannabis, both in the street or anywhere other then the licensed coffee shops is illegal. Many of these street dealers are dedicating themselves to committing illegal activities and have dangerous and even counterfeit products.
Buying Sexual Services from Certain Illicit Sources
Prostitution in itself is legal within licensed brothels or windows, as outside the legal framework inserting oneself out in the street to engage in sexual services is completely forbidden. Sex workers rights and well being needs to be respected and only working with workers in authorised establishments.
Taking Non-Consensual Photos
In the Red Light District, privacy is a lot of things. It all constitutes a violation of their rights and can lead to legal consequences of taking non consensual photos of sex workers or anyone else in that area. If you always ask for permission before attempting to take photographs you respect people’s privacy, you’ll avoid breaking any laws or infringing on peoples privacy.
Conclusion
Visiting Amsterdam’s Red Light District is an exciting and unusual visit. Through a knowledge of the legal framework and of the rules, you can enjoy a pleasant visit and the rights and safety of others have to be respected. The best thing to remember to stay safe online is to engage only in legal activities, do not buy drugs from illicit sources and respect everyone.
