Luxembourg plays classical music to drive off druggies

Luxembourg plays classical music to drive off druggies

News

norman lebrecht

October 03, 2023

From the Luxembourg Times:

Locals of the Gare were bewildered at the latest attempt to rein in drug use and prostitution in the area, which saw classical music be used to deter addicts in front of the school in rue de Strasbourg.

“Did you hear classical music playing in front of the sports centre on Rue de Strasbourg? Or am I dreaming?”. The question was posed on Monday by a member of the WhatsApp group “Quartier Gare – sécurité & propreté”, which was set up by locals to exchange information on rampant crime in the area.

According to another member, the idea came from Luxembourg City councillor Corinne Cahen as a way of “annoying” the drug users who hang out in the area.

… Several parents have long complained that when they take their children to school they are forced to pass the area in front of the building and that their children are exposed to drug use and prostitution. Bordin believes that the action should work to reduce the number of people in that area, but “it won’t clear them 100 per cent”.

More here.

Comments

  • Mock Mahler says:

    An established remedy. Convenience stores in the U.S. have been doing this for years.

  • Crister Chicago says:

    This has been going on for decades in most US cities, this article makes it sound like a new and unusual thing (maybe it’s new for Europe). Also, having family members as addicts I would appreciate less dehumanizing language about people struggling with addiction.

  • Robert Holmén says:

    A search on
    “McDonalds plays classical music” yields numerous instances in the UK.

    “Burger King plays classical music” will get you US cases.

    Not sure how it works when everyone has their “Beats by Dre” headphones on.

  • Sue Sonata Form says:

    Now I wish they’d turn their attention to Copenhagen where prostitution and crime is appalling on the other side of the main rail station.

  • Norabide Guziak says:

    This has been going on for years in Europe, and not just to disperse drug addicts.

  • Viola3668 says:

    “Druggies” is a pretty crass way for a news outlet to describe people struggling with addiction. Surely there is a more humane word to use.

  • Garry Humphreys says:

    Not exactly original: they’ve been doing this at certain London Underground stations for years.

  • Norabide Guziak says:

    Basically, broadcasting classical music has proved to be a successful way of dispersing druggies and troublesome ethnic minorities. To this we’ve come.

  • Ghatotkacha says:

    Didn’t work with me. I used to get wasted and go stand outside the Seven Eleven to enjoy my high.

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