Amsterdam is trying to rebuild its reputation as Europe's Gay Metropolis

Amsterdam, commonly referred to as the 'gay capital' in Europe is struggling at present on many fronts, this call to continue to remain fair. The number of homophobic violence has increased more and the (at least temporary) closure of some popular local scene has contributed to their remaining, that this reputation was a strong scratch.

And caused concern, for example, in June last year raided the 'cock ring' when the police took all the guests present to the police station and searched for drugs and weapons. Many illegal drugs as well as pepper spray (considered prohibited weapons) were found. After both had known after the club manager and the doorman to the police of these drugs and weapons, the restaurant was closed at short notice (Note: It has since reopened). The cock ring was not the only place that had to close the short term. Also located in the premises Reguliersdwarsstraat Exit and April were closed in April and May last year. Supposedly this closure, a dispute with a Dutch brewery and unpaid bills have been preceded in the millions. Also closed were the ARC Bar as well as the SoHo or the Down Down, the latter only on 1 January this year. The ARC Bar to be opened in the March again, but what happens with the Soho and downtown is still unclear. Last January, the existing closed end 27 years Bookshop Intermale.

Last December, then the City Council a budget of 170.000 € for it has made available to enhance Amsterdam's reputation as a gay metropolis back for more. Moreover, the PvdA and the VVD made the request, which is currently heavily restricted opening times, at least in the entertainment district around Reguliersdwarsstraat expand again. Again, this practice was likely to be a problem for many bar owners, as the early closing time does not seem a profitable operating permits. In mid-January was then the 'Rosa Entrepreneurs Association' was founded, also to provide more fresh air into Amsterdam's gay scene. Co-initiator of the initiative of former COC President and now VVD politician Frank van Dalen. A he first actions of the new association of entrepreneurs should now be to create greater security in the Amsterdam gay scene. Numerous incidents of homophobic motives have recently namely further contributed to damage reputation of Amsterdam in Europe. May the exercise succeed.

Source: Gaywien.at