Tourist hotspot introduces $750 fine for wearing a bikini in town
It’s an Italian town renowned for its majestic coastline and alluring blue waters, but stripping down to your cossie could cost you.
The mayor of Sorrento, one of the world’s top tourist destinations, has introduced a new law banning bikinis in the street to stop what he describes as “widespread indecorous behaviour”.
Holidaymakers who walk around town in a two piece, or even bare chested, will now be handed a $750 fine.
Massimo Coppola claims exposed midriffs and torsos are upsetting locals and damaging the reputation of the picturesque town overlooking the Bay of Naples, according to The Times UK.
He says the town has recently witnessed “behaviour that is seen by the majority of people as contradictory to decorum and to the decency that characterises civilised 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 judgement on the quality of life in our town, with consequences for its image and for tourism,” he said.
Sorrento Municipal Police Officers will now patrol the streets to make sure holidaymakers are covered up.
It’s not the first time Italian authorities have cracked down on those who dare to show it off.
In Praia a Mara in the Calabria region, walking barefoot and wearing inappropriate clothing is forbidden, while street signs in Rapallo on the Italian riviera warn visitors to abide by the dress code.
Many have taken to social media to voice their opposition to Sorrento’s new law claiming it is "ridiculous".
“Women should be able to wear whatever they want,” one person wrote. “Stop this madness.”
“If a great, fun nation like Italy is getting uptight, this world has major problems,” another cried.
While someone else joked: “No worries, my Victorian era one-one piece still covers my ankles,”
One Italian even went as far as to dismiss the mayor.
“Unfortunately, we have the further misfortune of having some idiotic mayors.”
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