German city introduces "tax meters" for prostitutes.

BERLIN (Reuters) - Prostitutes in
the German city of Bonn must
carry a ticket purchased from a
new parking metre-like machine
while working the streets or face
hefty fines from tax authorities in
a scheme launched Monday night.
In Germany, ladies of the night pay
income tax -- the level of which
varies from region to region --
but compliance is difficult to
enforce with women seeking
business on the street.
Germany's first "sex tax meters,"
from which prostitutes can
purchase a ticket for 6 euros
(5.31 pounds) per night, will ensure
the tax system is fairly
implemented, a city spokeswoman
said.
"Inspectors will monitor compliance
-- not every evening but
frequently," the spokeswoman told
Reuters.
If caught without a valid ticket,
offenders will first be reprimanded,
then face fines and later even a
ban.
About 200 prostitutes work in
Bonn. Due to protests from
residents, city officials have limited
the areas of operation to specific
quarters.
But critics say this has made it
easier for prostitutes to ply their
trade. The city has erected what
officials call "consummation areas,"
wooden parking garages where
customers driving cars can retreat
to with prostitutes.