Hedonists, Ladies and Larrikins: Crime, Prostitution and the 1987 America's Cup

Abstract

This article examines crime and prostitution within the context of the hosting of a hallmark tourist event--the 1987 America's Cup Defence in Fremantle, Western Australia. Although there are substantial difficulties in undertaking research on prostitution, the authors observe there was a substantial increase in prostitution in the Perth metropolitan area during the Cup defence. Similarly, official police statistics indicate that criminal activity was also affected by the hosting of the Cup. However, evidence also suggests that the Cup may have contributed to a more permanent impact on social mores and the expression of anti-social behaviour in Perth and Fremantle.