You Can Now Be Fined For Wearing A Bikini In Sorrento, Italy
Holidaymakers could now be fined up to £425 for wearing bikinis in the popular tourist town of Sorrento, Italy, according to Mayor Massimo Coppola.
Yes, if you're planning to soak up the sun in the south of Italy this summer, it might be wise to read up on the new ban announced this week before you start packing your bags.
The mayor of the popular resort town has claimed that tourists strutting around and exposing their skin was upsetting the locals, and impacting the area's quality of life.
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He also expressed fears that the recent wave of bare-chested and bikini-wearing tourists in Sorrento could damage the image that the beautiful destination prides itself on.
It is reported that the ban will also extend to those who ramble the town shirtless, or in their swimwear.
Mr Coppola says that he had recently witnessed "behaviour that is seen by the majority of people as contrary to decorum and to the decency that characterises civilised cohabitation", The Times reports.
"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."
To enforce the new ban, Sorrento Municipal Police officers will now be patrolling the coastal town on the look out for those walking around shirtless or in bikinis.
This isn't the first popular holiday destination to ban swimwear in certain areas.
In some parts of Spain, such as Barcelona and Mallorca, you could land yourself in a spot of bother for wearing a bikini or swimsuit in the wrong place.
In Barcelona, for example, visitors can wear their swimwear at the beach or at a swimming pool, but popping into the town centre in your swimwear could land you with a fine of up to £254.
Meanwhile in Mallorca, there are similar rules in place, with bikinis limited to beaches and pools only and fines of up to £500 for those who do not comply.
According to the UK Foreign Travel Advice: "In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts/trunks.
"Being bare-chested has also been banned in some areas of Spain. Some local councils will impose fines if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or the adjacent streets."
Ali Condon