This means that local authorities have been tasked with designing and implementing policies. The consequence of this lack of consistency in the law is that the way in which licenses are issued and prostitution regulated is incredibly inconsistent across the Netherlands. This had a negative effect on prostitutes as those running illegal businesses were now granted licenses to legitimize their previously illegal dealings. Local municipalities have limited the number of licenses awarded, meaning brothel owners have a monopoly on the commercial sex business in the Netherlands. This diminishes opportunities and options for sex workers, especially those who want to run their own businesses. Workers are still victims as power remains in the hands of the owners