Virginia Beach Targets Vulgar Clothing on Boardwalk
Local businesses in Virginia Beach are set to take action against “vulgar” clothing displays in an effort to make the boardwalk more inviting for families. The City Council approved a resolution aimed at cleaning up commercial areas along the beach, specifically targeting revealing shirts and shorts that do not align with their vision of a family-friendly atmosphere.
The council pointed out that the main avenues, where many resorts and eateries are located, are inundated with humorous but inappropriate clothing, contradicting the city’s goal as a welcoming vacation spot.
“Along Atlantic Avenue, the displays in stores have become overwhelmed with obscene and vulgar T-shirts,” the council mentioned in its resolution. “This increase creates an unwelcoming environment for families and tourists visiting our markets.”
During the discussions at Tuesday’s hearing, some council members expressed concerns that these types of outfits added to a lewd environment in the city. However, they acknowledged that deciding what constitutes indecency is complex and ultimately left the decision to store owners.
The resolution calls for voluntary action by retailers, recognizing that meeting the legal standard for indecency is challenging.
Virginia Beach attracted 14.1 million visitors in 2023, who contributed a significant $2.5 billion to the local economy.
Opinions varied on the matter. One 18-year-old local resident felt that the clothing was acceptable and might actually attract more customers to shops. “I don’t see them as that offensive,” Perry Clay commented. “They’re just trying to promote their business.”
The council is urging businesses along the boardwalk to create a more family-oriented environment. “Oceanfront retailers should actively consider removing obscene and vulgar T-shirts and displays from their storefronts,” the resolution suggests.
In past discussions, there have been talks about potentially banning all vulgar clothing outright, as some constituents have voiced their disapproval of the displays. “It doesn’t leave a good impression of our city,” said one council member.
This is not the first attempt by the city council to address this issue; a similar initiative was undertaken in 1992 to discourage the sale of indecent products.
