Metropol

Why, in 2005, after millenia of years failing to stop prostitution through criminalisation, don't we just admit defeat and legalise it?

There would be many benefits that I can see.

The areas in which this trade is carried out could be kept to let's say industrial estates and away from residential areas.

Taxes could be raised from the earnings.

Regular health checks could be done on prostitutes.

What's the problem, Britain?

It could possibly work in some ways but in others it won't. There are some who would still work outside the licenced areas & there would still be underground prostitution.

However each to their own, shame you didn't add a don't know tab to this poll.

I work very near Edinburgh's 'tolerance zone', a system employed in Glasgow too. Do you not have this in England jb?

It's eminently sensible, as it keeps all the nocturnal activity in one place, and all the working girls are close enough together to keep and eye on each other.

Unfortunatley, as all dockside areas have, the area has sprouted luxury apartment developments all around. These new monied dwellers are insisting that the ladies be removed.

Leith Docks has been the home to hookers for hundreds of years. Who are these interlopers who think they can call the shots?

Similarly, saunas in the city are known and accepted to offer 'extras'. Girls are screened regularly and have panic buttons in their 'treatment' rooms.

Is Scots law alone in being riddled with common sense? I assumed all UK cities were the same - or at least I hadn't considered otherwise until now.