Dimming the red-light district

Amsterdam wants to set up a new location for legal prostitution in another neighbourhood. — Ilvy Njiokiktjien/The New York Times

IT has been a goal sought after by Amsterdam for years: dissuading rowdy, brawling tourists from overtaking the red-light district.

The Dutch city announced new measures this spring to crack down on noise and substance abuse, which residents have long complained about in the district. But sex workers, bartenders and entrepreneurs say the new rules haven’t been effective in making the area safer or quieter.