‘Bikini Ban’ Has Texas Beach Lovers Concerned with Covering Up

Have you ever stopped to consider just how many miles of Gulf Coast Beaches there are in Texas? We've got the beaches of Galveston. The beaches around Corpus Christi. And there is always the sub-tropical feel of the beaches you find on South Padre Island as well.

And while hundreds of thousands will visit Texas beaches over the spring and summer we would be remiss if we didn't point out a change in attitude that many beach and resort communities are now having as swimsuits get more and more revealing.

Look, we get it, being barely covered at the beach is a common and accepted practice, but being barely covered when you're not at the beach is becoming quite the bone of contention. There is a strong undercurrent concerning the rights of the underdressed.

More and more beach towns and resort communities are proposing and passing ordinances that require tourists, visitors, guests, and even townsfolk to be properly covered when not relaxing on the sand or playing in the waves.

Perhaps you've heard of "bikini bans" in some communities?

One beach resort town has recently instituted such a ban. If you're busted in your bikini or the case of a male visitor a "Speedo" style swimsuit without a proper coverup while in town you could be fined the equivalent of $150. So, no you couldn't just run into the Winn-Dixie or I guess those are all ALDI stores now, in your swimsuit to pick up a 12-pack of beer without risking a citation.

The reason why resort communities are instituting such legislation is to "preserve the image of the municipality". The idea of "bikini bans" actually got started in resort towns in Europe. Apparently, some well "lubricated" British gentlemen decided a nearly naked dance in the town square of Albufeira Portugal was a good idea. The city fathers did not. Hence, the ban.

There are already "cover-up ordinances" in places such as Venice and Sorrento Italy, and Barcelona, Palm de Mallorca, and Malaga Spain. Some of the fines in those cities can set you back as much as $1500 depending on "how much you're letting all hang out".

Based on our research for the beaches that most of us frequent here in the Gulf South there are no ordinances against wearing beach attire when not at the beach. However, many establishments will not allow entry or offer service if a patron is not properly attired. We found that to be the case from Destin to Navarre to Panama City and also on the beaches of Alabama.

The same can be said for our Texas beaches. There are no particular ordinances or laws that prohibit beach attire from being worn in retail or residential areas. Again, it will be the local businesses that police the policy in their own establishments. We suggest you use your own good taste or find a friend who has good taste and can direct you.

But don't be surprised as swimsuits continue to grow smaller and more revealing if those communities start to pass laws that will restrict your lack of good taste and inappropriate attire. Hey, I am all for the thongs at the beach, but I don't think any of us want to see that on display in a booth at Applebee's. Especially if we are the next ones to be using that booth after your sweaty bottom gets up to leave.