Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2000/02/14/porn_sites_undermine_paris_brothels/

Porn sites undermine Paris brothels

Net start-ups invade the red light district and scare off punters

By Linda Harrison

Posted in On-Prem, 14th February 2000 16:47 GMT

The world's oldest profession is being threatened by online erotica, Paris brothel workers are claiming. According to Jean-Claude, doorman at the Pussy Club 187 on the city's Rue Saint Denis, the Internet has been "bad news for us, with all its pornography sites". "I have lost at least ten of my best customers – guys who used to pay Fr2000 (£190) for a girl. Now, they just have virtual sex on the Web," he told The Times. And to add insult to injury, the Rue Saint Denis, traditionally home to rows of sex shops and les femmes de nuit, has been invaded by the Internet companies' offices -- lured by cheap rents and modern telecomms systems in the area. There are more than 100 start-ups in the district, including Yahoo! France, which are scaring off prospective punters, The Times reported. ®