Nothing like the beach, some sun lotion, and a good tan! However, if you’re in Sorrento, this could now be a bit of a far-fetched dream. The Italian town recently announced a ban on bikinis, making our sub-bathing plans go on halt – or so we thought!
However, a bit more prodding and we now know- that the ban is only on wearing bikinis and roaming around town. Essentially, tourists can lounge on the beach in their swimwear but cannot galivant across the streets in two-piece clothing.
According to the mayor of Sorrento, Massimo Coppola, the move is introduced since locals were upset with the lax attitude of tourists. He said that he had recently witnessed ‘behavior that is seen by the majority of people as contrary to decorum and to the decency that characterizes civilized cohabitation’.
‘The continuation of this situation, as well as causing discomfort and unease in the resident population and among visitors, could lead to a negative judgment on the quality of life in our town, with consequences for its image and for tourism,’ he added.
Post the ban, Sorrento Municipal Police officers will patrol the streets to make sure people are not walking shirtless or in their swimwear. Those seen breaking the rules will need to pay up to $500 in fines. Other Italian towns to have introduced similar curbs include Praia a Mare in Calabria and Rapallo in Liguria.
No more sleaze for Sorrento, please!
[Via: Dmarge]
