One of Europe’s biggest brothels goes bust

Manager Aurel Johannes Marx is reflected in a miiror with the note informing clients of the mandatory use of condoms in a room at the Candy Store brothel in Berlin on August 10, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. – Berlin brothels re-opened early August after being closed down due to the coronavirus with local authorities issuing strict measures. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP FILE)

BERLIN — One of Europe’s biggest brothels has filed for bankruptcy after being unable to operate for months due to coronavirus restrictions.

German daily Express reported Thursday that the Pascha brothel in Cologne had used up all of its financial reserves paying for the upkeep of its 10-story building and 60 staff.

As part of a wide range of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, the German state of North-Rhine Westphalia, where Cologne is located, banned prostitution five months ago.

Organizations representing sex workers have warned that the closure of brothels will likely force prostitution underground, where women are at greater risk of exploitation.

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