Virginia Beach Council Calls for Removal of Vulgar Clothing Displays

The Oceanfront store scene in Virginia Beach has, well, always had a certain edge with its provocative attire. But, local officials may turn the tide on that soon.

On Tuesday, the Virginia Beach City Council passed a resolution urging retailers along the bustling Atlantic Avenue boardwalk to voluntarily ditch any “indecent” or “vulgar” clothing from their storefronts to create a more family-friendly environment.

The boardwalk, a hot spot teeming with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, has seen an uptick in offensive messages featured on mannequins and flashy t-shirts. One example caught eyes: a mannequin adorned with shorts stating phrases like, “It’s all eaten” or “I don’t intend to slap it on itself.” Quite the conversation starter, I suppose.

In its resolution, the council noted the excessive amounts of obscene and vulgar items being displayed, which they claim turn away families and city residents alike, diminishing the market’s appeal. The resolution clearly asserts, “This surge creates an unwelcome environment.”

Ultimately, the resolution is not enforceable by law. Instead, local authorities are hoping that shop owners will take the initiative, keeping in mind the city’s dependence on tourism. Virginia Beach welcomed about 14.1 million visitors last year, generating $2.5 billion in expenditures, as reported by the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The council acknowledged that the legal threshold for indecency is notably high, hence their preference for voluntary compliance from retailers.

Council member Worth Remic has voiced his frustrations regarding the displays. “Enough is enough,” he mentioned to the Virginia Pilot. He’s advocating for a more wholesome image for the city. It’s interesting how some retailers argue that these eye-catching items are significant revenue generators, though. A real tug-of-war between values and business, it seems.

Many local shopkeepers are being asked to refrain from displaying suggestive content publicly. Yet, opinions split among residents and tourists. A manager at a souvenir shop, Adam Desouki, mentioned that their suggestive shorts are big sellers, especially during the summer. A local teen added that he believes these playful phrases actually draw people in.

It’s curious, isn’t it? While some find the displays inappropriate, others see them as a clever marketing strategy. There’s definitely a generational gap in opinions here. The previous attempts by the city to regulate similar displays go as far back as 1992, when guidelines were issued against inappropriate merchandise.