Sex workers are less likely to work on street corners now that they can be reached online, according to a Sydney prostitute. At its height, the inner city hub was a melting pot of crime, violence, illegal drugs and prostitution. Corrupt police, gangsters, pimps and drug lords ruled the streets where the drag queens strutted and the hookers hustled.
Neon signs flashed above sex shops and sleazy late night pubs crawled with patrons heavily affected by booze and drugs. Burly security guards stood outside strip club joints and ushered tourists, bucks night groups, revellers and dodgy locals into the venues down worn, red carpets.
Young women were coaxed inside with the promise of free entry and drinks in a bid to attract more paying male customers. But with a recent state government crackdown on crime, violence and rowdy behaviour, the hedonism of Kings Cross and its dark underworld has been muted. The once-seedy area where the sex business flourished has given way to trendy bars and restaurants.
Former late night pubs now have curfews which inadvertently send revellers elsewhere. Some of the venues have closed permanently. The street walkers Kings Cross was infamous for in its heyday have largely vanished from the area, although brothels and escort services remain rampant.
According to several sex workers who spoke with news. Instead, advertisements for sexual services flourish on websites. While prostitution may be less visible it is no less prevalent. Street sex work is less common than it used to be, according to sex workers. The internet has reduced the numbers of sex workers on the streets but some remain. One sex worker, who spoke to news. A first-ever study of the underground US sex industry in showed that many sex workers now prefer to make transactions over the internet where rates are higher and they are less vulnerable to arrest or assault.
