A.I.D.S. Hits Sex Business (Press, 30 December 1985)

The sex industry in Hamburg, West Germany, is facing a significant downturn as fears surrounding the deadly disease A.I.D.S. impact business. The famous red-light district of St Pauli, known for its numerous sex clubs and bars, has seen a marked decrease in clientele, with the Reeperbahn—its main thoroughfare—being frequented by around 40,000 visitors each night. With more than 3,000 prostitutes working in the area, the oversupply is evident, as income for many has plummeted. One sex worker, Helga, mentioned that her earnings have dropped by approximately 50 per cent due to the media's focus on A.I.D.S., asserting that this negative publicity has adversely affected their business. In various entertainment venues like the Eros Centre and Palais d’Amour, competition among around 50 prostitutes is fierce, but even with reduced rates and regular health checks, customers seem to be hesitant, often merely looking rather than engaging. Gwen, a 19-year-old from the Philippines working in the Eros Centre, noted a significant shift in behaviour among men. Meanwhile, clubs that previously thrived on audience-participation shows, such as the Tanga Club, reported similar declines in attendance, with the barman there attributing the drop to the A.I.D.S. scare. Conversely, establishments catering to more niche markets, like the Herbertstrasse with its leather-clad workers, have not faced the same level of decline. Though these workers remain tight-lipped about their earnings, they echo complaints of poor publicity from the media. Another venue catering to couples noted that while business continues, patrons have become more cautious, prompting the installation of additional condom vending machines in response to health campaigns promoting safe sex. While the broader sex industry has been negatively affected, sales of condoms and adult products—particularly from outlets like Beate Uhse AG—have surged, indicating a change in consumer behaviour. A survey of 379 sex clubs across Germany revealed that 151 had experienced client losses of up to 60 per cent. One operator indicated that he may have to close one of his clubs due to the downturn. Interestingly, law enforcement also noted a behavioural shift; fewer clubs are staying open late, with many closing by midnight instead of the previous 4 AM, a change attributed to media coverage of A.I.D.S. Local figures like Pastor Dankmar Fischer from the Salvation Army suggested there could be positive outcomes from the scare, encouraging a reassessment of sexual behaviour among individuals. Overall, A.I.D.S. has dramatically altered the landscape of Hamburg's sex industry, prompting many to rethink their practices and leading to a noticeable shift in market activity and public engagement.

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