In the fashionable Italian city of Sorrento on the Gulf of Naples, it is no longer allowed to walk around with a bare torso or in bikini. Anyone who does not comply with the regulations risks a fine of 500 euros.
The mayor of the resort, Massimo Coppola, has issued the ban because of the ‘widespread indecent’ behavior exhibited by the local population of the area. Announcing the new rules, Coppola said he had witnessed “behavior that the majority of people consider to be contrary to decency and decency which characterize civilized coexistence.”
“The continuation of this situation, as well as causing discomfort and unease among residents and visitors, could lead to a negative assessment of the quality of life in our city,” said the mayor. “And this could have a negative impact on the image of this place and tourism.”
Patrols to enforce new rules
This summer, police officers will patrol the streets to enforce the new rules and – if necessary – hand out hefty fines.
Sorrento is the western gateway to the Amalfi Coast and is popular with holidaymakers from around the world. Thanks in part to its historic architecture and picturesque location. In 2019, the city even welcomed about 3 million visitors.
Sorrento isn’t the first seaside town to enforce strict dress codes. Barcelona introduced a ban on ‘beachwear’ in 2011. As for Italy itself, Lipari, the largest of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands, introduced a similar rule in 2013 after residents made a fuss about tourists wearing skimpy swimwear in the city center. Tropea, in Calabria, followed suit in 2019 and also banned walking barefoot through the city center.
Earlier it was announced that some restaurants in Mallorca have also introduced a dress code. They want to curb the antisocial behavior of drunk tourists.
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