On 2 January 1996 Amsterdam opened a special soliciting zone for street prostitutes on the Theemsweg. This is open from 21.00 hours to 03.00 hours the following morning. Outside these hours soliciting for prostitution in a public place is prohibited throughout the city. A doctor and nurses from the city health service hold consultations in the lounge twice a week. The prostitutes can have a free examination for sexually transmitted diseases.
Condoms are also on sale, and prostitutes can trade old for new needles.
Once a week the police hold a confidential session at which prostitutes can talk confidentially with officers. The Theemsweg prostitution zone it is surrounded by gates and fences to prevent activity spilling over into a wider area. A permanent supervisor is responsible for management and maintenance. A special police team is in place every evening to ensure safety. Drugs Drug use has been a nuisance factor in Amsterdam since the 1970s, this includes public order problems.