The several dozen sex workers who are expected to make it their new hub will stand along a short road in a small, circular park for clients to choose from and negotiate with. The park was built in a former industrial area nestled between a rail yard and the fence along a major highway.
The publicly funded facilities -- open all night and located away from the city centre -- include bathrooms, lockers, small cafe tables and a laundry and shower. Men won't have to worry about video surveillance cameras, but the sex workers -- who will need a permit and pay a small tax -- will be provided with a panic button and on-site social workers trained to look after them.
As far as Daniel Hartmann, a Zurich lawyer, is concerned, it's a win-win situation.
"Safety for the prostitutes. At least it's a certain kind of a shelter for them. They can do their business, and I respect them,'' he said. "They do a great job, and they have better working conditions here. ... They're not exposed to the bosses, to the pimps, in here.''
