The Amsterdam alcoholics, as the headlines are referring to them, begin the day with two beers. They then get two at lunch, and one after work.
"This group of chronic alcoholics was causing a nuisance in Amsterdam's Oosterpark: fights, noise, disagreeable comments to women," said Gerrie Holterman, the one leading the Rainbow Foundation project, which is funded by the Dutch state and donations.
"The aim is to keep them occupied, to get them doing something so they no longer cause trouble at the park," she said.
Workers are divided into two groups of about 10 people, with each group working their shifts three days a week.
This is a good deal for the Amsterdam alcoholics since they begin the day at 9 a.m. drinking two beers and coffee before they sweep the streets.
This seems to be a win-win for everyone involved. Instead of being a menace on the streets, the alcoholics are being productive and have some kind of structure. Like anything else, it's a matter of opinion.
What do you think of the Amsterdam alcoholics working for beer?
