Amsterdam pays alcoholics in beer to clean the streets

[Everlong]

http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/article10413118.ece

They also get 10 euros and a half pack of tobacco, so it's not like they're being paid only in beer, but it's definitely an interesting practice that's likely to raise eyebrows. However, according to the article, it seems to be working. The streets are cleaner and this particular group of alcoholics isn't causing as much trouble. Plus, when they're not working, they go back to their old behavior.

There's kind of an ethical issue at stake here, though. Is it ok to feed this group of people's addiction, even if it provides benefits to a community as a whole?

What do ye think?

[Westcoastvibes]

I am completely okay with this.
Most people get all bent out of shape over shit like this but I don't (hell, I get paid in sex to do housework). I have no problem with something like alcohol, tobacco or even cannabis being used as a form of currency for those that want it. Let's face it, these people would just take their paycheck and cash it to buy beer and smokes anyways. At least this way they are getting what they want and helping the community at the same time.

[Settee]

Dont matter to me at all. Not my business as far as im concerned. All the power to them.

[Everlong]

I dunno, I'm kind of uncomfortable with people taking advantage of the addictions of others for their own ends. I mean, when you think about it, alcoholism is a disease, and these people are feeding it rather than trying to help them recover. They're basically taking the easy way out rather than the way that truly attacks the heart of the issue here.

[AkydefGoldberg]

Sounds like they are bribing them.

"Hey alcoholic, do you want a drink? Come here, come here, come here" *whilst alluring pointing at them to come forward*

"Carry on, just abit further.....WAIT! If you want the drinks, then clean this first!"

Sure the jobs getting done but they'd be better giving these duties to young offenders doing community work as happens over here with offenders doing community work. I don't see it as beneficial for the alcoholics at all besides getting a drink

[Matteo]

This just seems like another one of those initiatives designed to protect the welfare of the city rather than the people within them.