Swiss Authorities Create Drive-Thru Sex Boxes to Keep Prostitutes Safe

Officials in Zurich, Switzerland, where paying for sex is legal, launched a "sex box" initiative on Monday, creating a drive-thru prostitution complex to make business safer for prostitutes. Part of keeping prostitutes safe means posting illustrated signs telling tricks not to litter, putting the kibosh on ménage à trois, and (we think) explaining that sex in or near a tree is off limits.

Officials in Zurich, Switzerland, where paying for sex is legal, launched a "sex box" initiative on Monday, creating a drive-thru prostitution complex of sorts to make business safer for prostitutes. Part of keeping prostitutes means posting illustrated signs telling tricks not to litter, putting the kibosh on ménage à trois, and (we think) explaining that sex in or near a tree is off limits. The full directions are below:

The top three illustrations are pretty explanatory, as are the bottom two (bummer for exhibitionists who like to litter). The middle two graphics (why do all the johns drive motorhomes?) require that a person know a little something about Swiss law.

For example, the following two drawings seem to be pointing out that the sex complex is a one-way zone:

In actuality, the illustrations are highlighting the strip of land where clients should pick up sex workers and negotiate rates. In other words: A sex box is the only place to have sex (left) and prostitutes shouldn't leave with their clients (right).

In spite of the somewhat upbeat ambiance—"There are trees, coloured lights, and benches to sit on," reads the report from the BBC—the nine carport-like sex boxes are designed to make prostitution safer. Guards oversee the complex, and custom designs help make sure the women are going about their business safely and are not exposed to violence. ("On the driver's side, the boxes are very narrow, making it difficult for him to get out of the car. On the passenger side, there is plenty of space, an alarm button and an emergency exit," the BBC notes. ) Sky News explains that there are also ads in the sex boxes to promote safe sex, like this one promoting condom use and AIDS prevention, which stares clients in the face:

The only problem now is actual business. Because Zurich's sex boxes have garnered international media attention from the likes of the Associated Press, BBC, and local papers, clients and prostitutes are, sadly, staying away (for now).