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Chip East / Reuters file
People walk at the boardwalk in Asbury Park, N.J., on August 26, 2011.
A former councilwoman worries that skimpy clothing along the boardwalk in her Jersey Shore city is threatening its “classy” image, so she wants a crackdown on bathing suits.
It turns out that a decades-old ordinance bans bathing attire on Asbury Park’s boardwalk “or the public walks adjacent thereto,” the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Local Republican chairwoman Louise Murray, 74, a city councilwoman from 1997 to 2001, told the newspaper that she recalls when women wore dresses as they strolled the boardwalk. She said she knows times have changed but still thinks enforcing the bathing suit ban is a good idea.
“Put a shirt on,” Murray said. “That’s all I’m asking. Is that so bad?”
Asbury Park, which fell into decline in the 1980s and 1990s, has recently seen a renaissance, with high-end restaurants and stores dotting the boardwalk.
Residents and city leaders point to the difficulty of enforcing the ordinance and to the fact that changing rooms once common near the beach are long gone.
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Another old person resistant to change. If people can't wear swimsuits on a public boardwalk, they'll go to one where they can.
How old is this lady? 110?
You have to agree that the fat guy in the photo with his tee shirt slung over his shoulder should do the rest of us a favor and slip it back on.
I'm not old and frankly, I don't want to see your fat *ss belly hanging over your pants or your hairy back or your wife's saggy t*t's hanging down to her waist.
I know it's difficult for a lot of neanderthal types to comprehend but y'all ain't all that attractive.
The people who are the fattest wear the skimpiest ones. So she is right, they had to ban thongs even at some beaches because the gross-out factor became so high they practically needed to put out vomit buckets. For some reason some fat people think the less they wear the sexier they are.
The funny thing here is that this lady thinks that bathing suits are the reason people dont think the Jersey shore is "Classy"... sorry lady jersey shore isn't classy because well... it's the Jersey Shore
I don't like seeing grossly overweight people wearing swimwear that is too small either, but it is not the government's job to be the fashion police. Laws should not be used for that purpose. I have seen laws proposed for this, pajamas, swearing in public, and a large number of things that really are frankly none of the government's business.
The only thing that comes to mind when I hear "Jersey Shore" is Snookie. Sorry councilwoman, you've already lost.
OMG! Snooki was seen parading the catelopes off with the new baby bulge, this is how class-less this town has become........Dang Skup you beat me by 8 seconds but it's true.
According to the latest news, most of the people here complaining about fat people are fat themselves. So follow your own advice! :D
So the Republicans now want to tell you how to dress.
Seriously, I'll just stay out of NJ lady. How's that for you.
Yeah, I'm obese, so I am sure to cover up to protect those around me. Seriously. But even when I was in shape, I wanted to be presentable walking along the boardwalk and going into places of business. I think this is definitely a generational thing: the younger crowds have not been brought up to wear dress clothes to dinner out, or church; they think anything goes. Such as pajamas in public, shorts and tennis shoes in church, etc... While my head still turns at an attractive woman wearing a flattering swimsuit or outfit, there are times and places for that. Everyone's opinions differ, which is why it IS the govt's job to do so: they are elected to represent the majority opinion of the people in their area, and pass laws to reflect that opinion. So, YES it is the govt's job to be the fashion/good taste/civility police, that is what they are hired to be.
What's next? You can't lick your ice cream cone, you have to use a spoon? Screw this moron.
Then don't look. If anyone is trying to impress you with their looks, they will be sure to let you know. The rest of don't care what you think.
If this isn't enough reason to avoid the Jersey shore, some New Jersey beach resorts charge admission to the beach! Sorry , folks, but the Jersey beaches aren't that pretty, that any municipality can justify charging anybody admission to their beach.
I'm sure there will be those crying "freedom of expression" there. Okay, have your way but don't come complaining when you have to watch King Kong strolling down the boardwalk in a speedo or big Bertha in a thong.
Good for her! I like her suggestion!
This country has gotten WAY TOO CASUAL.
Airlines should also suggest a dress code of collared shirts for men and pants or dresses for women.
Arthur, the 1920s has passed. Sorry to inform you
@Arthur66, might I ask why it must be necessary to wear a collard shirt in order to sit in an uncomfortable seat for hours to go from one place to another? I mean, you won't catch me looking like a slob out in public in general, but I'm not sure whats wrong with a nice pair of jeans and a clean t-shirt. There is a difference between dressing casual and being a slob. One can dress casual and still not look like a slob.
This is still America right....
geeze...
Really, Arthur? Because the Airlines and their pal, TSA don't already hassle us enough, let's just add an over the top dress code to the madness. Thanks, but no thanks.
In what century do you live? Airlines of all corporate companies should quit trying to control every aspect of their customers lives, behavior, etc, when the flight attendants are the biggest hazard to all who fly. They are rude, ignore people when asked for service. Take the dress code and SHOVE IT where the sun doesn't shine!
Gee, I can't understand at all why service workers would ignore YOU.
I have no problem with requiring men to wear a shirt when they are on the boardwalk or women to wear a cover-up. Most businesses on the boardwalk will not let men in if they do not have a shirt on, so I do not see this as a big problem. There should still be such a thing as decorum in our culture. It is bad enough that you have to endure these grossly out of shape people in too small bathing suits when you are on the beach, you should have to be subjected to their lack of class while strolling the boardwalk or get sick to your stomach while having lunch when one of them walks by. Asking women to wear a simple cover-up and men to wear a shirt is not unreasonable and many beach towns have these same ordinances on dress when walking around in town away from the beach.
Agreed.
And, quite honestly, it might be nicer to fly if people wore more appropriate attire. I got stuck next to someone three times my size who was wearing a tank top. I didn't really enjoy skin-to-skin touching with a stranger. If people actually had some common courtesy, then we wouldn't have to resort to these rules. Unfortunately, there is no decorum in our society anymore.
Hey, you are all making fun of this lady because you are thinking about skinny 20 year olds with big boobs in bikinis. That's like 1% of the population. Nothing turns off my appetite like a beer belly dude in a speedo. And their wives who are dressed in something that look like sausage skins that show every lump and bump. I think this lady has a good point!!
The terms "New Jersey" and "classy" don't even belong in the same sentence. However, the terms "uptight", "snotty", "rude", "fowl smelling", "expensive", "pulluted", "dirty", and "Armpit of America" can be placed in the same sentence as New Jersey any day of the week.
If you don't like fat dudes in speedos, may I suggest you never travel to a beach in Europe. You would be lucky if the dude were even wearing a speedo there.
So what you're saying is that not everyone on the Jersey Shore looks like a leather hand bag? Who knew!?
@ Will obviously you've never gotten off the Turnpike or the Parkway. I live in the middle of the NJ pine barrens - gorgeous paradise! Only wish the real estate taxes weren't so high.
Back on topic - I just wish people would use common sense. Nice fit ladies look just fine in cutoffs & a bikini top strolling down the boardwalk. I don't mind catching a glimpse of certain dudes shirtless either. ;) I guess some think that's unfair but sheesh, have a little self respect! If you can't fit in the gym doorway except sideways, probably best to cover up a bit.
Seriously? Not the government's job to tell me how to dress. There are more important things for us to concern ourselves with....like violent crime, identity theft and the like. If you think the most important thing to worry about is how other people dress, you're the one that's got problems.
I don't think they can/should really make a ban for a boardwalk, although stores can have their own requirements.
I do think it's polite to cover up- and you don't need a changing room to throw on a sundress or add a t-shirt to a pair of trunks.
Well, it's hard for the GOP to implement smaller government with those pesky "citizens" running around. Driving everyone out of the state will be so helpful to their plans!
To cover up is common sense. If you think about it, you don't want to see the fatties, and if you leer at the tight bodied women, they'll get all bent out of shape about that too. A no win situation.
Sorry, pal, we don't really give a sh*t what you want to see. Close your eyes. That goes for the old hag, too.
Coming from a 6'3" 190lb male...I'll bet the people you're talking about are far better people than you.
All but one person on the Jersey shore is from NY. The shore itself is georgeous and the scenery would be fantastic if the slubs from PA and NY would stay away.
Men go shirtless down public streets and walkways all across America on hot days. The only problem is that women are not allowed to go shirtless as well. Businesses should have the right to refuse service to people who don't have proper attire. There are some places in this country that have no law requiring any clothing whatsoever in public places.
I hate collard shirts. You can only get 'em in green.
@GHIZ NJ
No, I have been pretty much all over New Jersey, and it is a washed up ugly industrial wasteland intermingled with overpriced snotty housing developments with prestigious names, the suburban sprawl of NYC, Trenton, and Philly, and the touristy shore points overrun with rude Eastern Seaboarders going to the "shoo-a". I guess New Jersey may have a few small expanses that are considered "pretty", but the fact that these secluded islands of beauty are in New Jersey automatically puts two strikes against them. How long before the Pine Barrens are cut down to make more $500,000+ housing developments? How long before they find barrels of toxic waste burried in shallow holes in the Pine Barrens? If I wanted to come visit the Pine Barrens, is it humanly possible to find them without being from New Jersey? Your roads are horrible and your road signs are even worse. I think someone designed the roads in New Jersey specifically to keep visitors out.
Nope, the only place I like less than New Jersey is NYC - but that is pretty much the same thing.
You can't tell me if this old republican was 50 years younger and hot, she'd be pushing this law. She'd be laughing at it's ridiculousness. It's a public place, businesses can have their own set of rules for clothing/service. I mean, at least these people have some form of clothing on, and not showing their junk, why does the government have to get involved. Just another rule the 'little' big government tp wants to make. Repugs are hypocrites through and through.
What next, no black cause it reminds her of funeral attire?
"Bathing suit crack down" is a catchy title....
All men should have to part their hair parted on the right(if they have any, comb-overs please swirl to the right if possible). A nice, flowered short sleeve shirt with a collar, tan shorts with johnsons properly seated down the left(unless it's just too itty bitty).
All women should have to have their hair sprayed into a big 80's mess, full makeup, dress and pumps or heels(must be at least 3 inch heels). Melons should be properly stored, if not in use, in a nice one piece outfit that reaches to the mid shin.
(Sarc)
Hasn't this nation had enough of old hag busybodies trying to tell the rest of us how to live...
Yes it has.
If they would reverse their opinion and have a ban on some clothing, it might just help their tourism back into a flourishing industry.
Back in the day, the boardwalk was always packed because suitors courted their fancies there.
Those same gals that brought all those guys and their $$ to the area.
At the same, I would not want to be forced to a shirt in the heat of the summer sun, or get bathing suit lines burned into my skin.
P.S.( I have seen much more revealing outfits worn by high school girls and kids in the university districts )
Apparently not. just look at the "old BAGS" on the Supreme CCourt.
"Put a shirt on"...for men or women?
Remember, this is America where we consume 6000 calories a day.
Honestly, though, who cares?
LOL.
Anyway, this country hates anything sexual but features extreme violence on public TV, Cable TV, Video games, and Right-wing A.M. Radion 24/7. Remember the TV show "24"?
Go figure.
No wonder the Christian ranks are dropping like the Ogallalah Aquifer.
Utter, utter irony...the wealthiest most powerful Nation in the history of the world, with the most underedumacated electorate.
Heck of a job, Reichwing, Party of No!
This has little to do with anything "sexual." It has to do with my eyes melting when I have to watch the weasels wrestle in the back of your bikini. Making sure, of course, they don't fall in the craters of your cellulite.
Rick, your kind of comment is what is corrupting this nation. Standards have to be set or we become less than the beasts in the field...apparently you have none!
Do they have a nude area?
If it's legal to wear in public, ie the beach, then it should be legal to wear. I'm not some young stud who is just dissing the older generation. I am 58 and a retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer. Government should stay out of peoples lives as much as possible. They intrude into our lives too much already.
Rick-546746...
Hasn't this nation had enough of old hag busybodies trying to tell the rest of us how to live...
Apparently not, given the number that vote Republican.
Put a sock in it.
I wonder whether editors screen article captions: "Bathing suit crack-down sought!" Methinks bathing suits are designed to expose and display... cracks. So what does "crack-down" really mean? Yeah yeah, that was a.... wise crack.
It....
just....
cracks me up!!
Chairwoman Louise Murray needs to get a life or a better body & stop being a jerk. Too many laws & restrictions in this country. Where's the freedom that we proudly tell the world we enjoy. Politicians are like the morons that run condo & townhome associations... they are long winded, one sided & unrelenting in their quest for dominance.
Not that I'm siding with her, but really, how hard is it to throw a dress on over a bikini?
wiseone-6051514 - Another wise one once said "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Now while I admit that's a pretty extreme comparison and better suited to the "Patriot Act", still perhaps one person's opinion should not override the freedoms of the many. IMHO an appropriate option would be to rescind the law.
It's seems as if it's extremely difficult for many people to just show a little class.
wiseone, I see two solutions to this. One, as you said, just wear the swimsuit in place of underwear. Most swimsuits are little more than underwear anyway, so it shouldn't be a problem. Solution two is to realize that much outerwear clothing, especially for women, is becoming just as revealing as a bikini is anyway, so even wearing that on top wouldn't fix anything.
Either way, I think this ban is stupid. If it's legal to wear a bikini or go shirtless in the park, why wouldn't it be legal on the boardwalk?
Ol-doc, I like your line about the opinion of one over riding the freedoms of the many. But think about the situation: maybe all you who think less is better, you're in the minority, and you're forcing the majority to put up with you? If the majority of the people of that town think this is a good law, who are you ( multiple posters/protestors ) to tell them h ow to live in their hometown?
Someone said they would go somewhere else ( different beach or different state ): that is the perfect solution to this situation: vote with your dollars and go somewhere that the local residents agree with your sense of style/class/taste, instead of trying to change the town's.
@pittsburghboy Who is he? Clearly an enlightened individual that understands the limits of local, state, and federal authority. The town is free to do whatever it wants, assuming of course that what they want is legally allowable under the constitution.
Good job conflating voting with your wallet with actual voting, though... It would be mildly clever if you weren't completely confused about the context of the discussion.
Hey guess what council woman....It's your citizens of Jersey Shore that give that impression, not the bathing suits
The "people" on Jersey Shore DO NOT reflect the real citizens who live here. DO NOT MIX ONE WITH THE OTHER.
Ha, the Jersey Shore hasn't been a classy place for years (with the exception of Cape May and some of the sleepier areas). Seriously, she's worried about bathing suits on the boardwalk when they already sold out the entire shoreline to make a few bucks off of MTV's trash?
You beat me to it. "Classy"......right. Been there and that is not the word I would use at the boardwalk.
Gotta start somewhere, how about with you two? Nah, that obviously would never happen. Well, it COULDN'T happen I should say.
Huh?
Exactly. I rest my case.
And that case is? Your comment made no sense, so I was just trying to understand. Maybe you've spent one too many nights at the shore...
PH - this was my thought, too! How can one worry about what people wear on the boardwalk, when the way Jersey is being portrayed on TV is 100 times worse?!
Louise,
You need to take a chill pill and let the good times roll.
Her boardwalk!!! Interesting!!! If we were 34 and not 74 it might be different. Where were her demands when she was on the council? What is it election time or something and she wants back on? If Asbury Park is on the up swing, don't ruin it by bringing on new retrictions or enforcing old ones that were let go long ago.
Louise,
You need to take a chill pill and let the good times roll.
"A former councilwoman worries that skimpy clothing along the boardwalk in her Jersey Shore city is threatening its “classy” image, so she wants a crackdown on bathing suits."
There is nothing classy about the Jersey shore.
Maybe not up north, but the southern beach towns are pretty nice. Cape May, Stone Harbor, etc...
Judging by the picture in the story, I would say the man needs a shirt more than the woman does.
Get real!!!
Obvious jealousy.
She probably looked in the mirror and thought - if I can't they shouldn't.
This reminds me of how Atlantic city use to be this way. Vegas use to be this way. People actually dressed to do things. I for one think that is kinda cool. What is wrong with that?
Their dressing in appropriate attire to stroll the boardwalk now. I don't believe tuxes and evening gowns will improve the atmosphere.
I'd settle for tshirts and shorts to cover your rolls.
Just covering up a little to spare the rest of us is too much to ask apparently.
You can track my library usage, abduct me without access to an attorney or a phone call, bodily grope me if I get on a plane but g*dd*mn it, don't you DARE ask me to put on shirt on the boardwalk.
Hahahaha, what a piece of work we've turned in to.
Spare you from what? What crime is anyone committing against you by wearing a bikini?
They arent, you just don't want to see it?
Well, there are no constitutional protections for you to not see someone in a swimsuit. So your statement is incorrect. Asking is one thing- and realize that when asked, people are likely to tell you to buzz off... But making it a law based solely on opinions, is WAYYY too much.
Reread the article. It already is an ordinance.
"What crime is anyone committing against you by wearing a bikini?
They arent,"
Uhhhh, zanilth, apparently they "are" committing a crime, since that's the whole basis of the story!!!
Reread my post. Both the relevant parts I'll repost for you here.
Last time I checked, an ordinance such as this is considered a victimless crime- in the fact that it doesn't impact anyone else.
Yep, find the law or the constitutional amendment that protects your right to NOT see someone you deem as unattractive in a swimsuit.
Uhhhh, sag, apparently you cannot read. I didn't ask what crime they were committing- I asked what crime they were committing against another person.
Besides, both of you might want to refresh yourselves on 'criminal offense'. This doesn't fit the bill.
Forget her and enjoy the sights!
Ahhh, yes. Nothing says beauty like trashy girls with muffin tops wearing dental floss and greasy looking men with exposed hairy and sweaty beer bellies.
Behold the phrases "Jersey Shore" & "Classy Image".
When you put them together in the same sentence, you run the risk of imploding the English language onto itself.
Birthday suits are sometimes better.
What other language could it implode onto?
What other language? Well.. I suppose it could implode onto Latin, Greek, German, or any other dialect that English is based on... but I somehow doubt that putting "Jersey Shore" and "Classy Image" into the same sentence represents quite THAT big of a problem. It's strictly an English-on-English implosion... clearly....
Nothing new here... I beg to differ. With the growing rates of obesity across the age spectrum, and general lack of physical fitness in America, i think those who look better undressed than dressed is the tiny majority of people. Maybe 5%.
What you (and numerous others here) seem to fail to understand is that people aren't walking around in swimsuits (or birthday suits) for YOUR viewing pleasure- 1000 to 1 says that's nothing to do with why they are walking around like that.
Tiny majority? 5% is a tiny majority?
No, you're right, they do it out of selfishness.
I would say more of a regard for comfort, which can be seen as lack of consideration at the same time however would be really hard to actually find anyone who could state they intentionally wore something to be selfish or gross people out.
My 2 cents:
1 penny - Isn't the boardwalk and shore a destination TO wear bathing suits? Duh.
2 penny - Wouldn't bringing mandatory tee shirts hurt the local crappy tee shirt vendors sales?
Maybe they're planning to enact an ordinance that requires people to wear a t-shirt, but forbids them to bring their own. Then they'd be forced to buy a crappy t-shirt from one of the local vendors.
Sort of like the movie theaters do with food and drink. A captive audience.
Times and standards change. Those that do not change with the times are destined to be left behind. I would suggest that the city repeal the old law and stop there.
Nah, we'll just leave it as it is now, and if you don't like it then too bad. These are the times now, kraig, and you're the one who's now left behind. Better catch up.
Bathing Suit "crackdown" theres a punchline there someplace...................
Another Republican wanting to limit people's rights. I love how they all preach freedom and rights, but when it comes to people who are not like them (74 yrs don't go around wearing bathing suits) they want as much limits to rights and freedoms as possible!
Dems pass just as many laws that are stupid and controlling. Its how the 2-party system works, what can I give you (or take away) just to get your vote.
people wearing bathing suits down the boardwalk are really making our filthy drunken Jersey sh-whore girls look less classy. For pity sake....PLEASE put a shirt on. ;)
just because people were more modest 50+ years ago doesn't mean that idea will fly today lady. If people can't be comfortable on that boardwalk/beach area, they'll go somewhere else.
Maybe back then it was modesty, today it's to spare the rest of us. Regardless of what a lot of you think, you DON'T look very good in swimming attire.
Regardless of what YOU think, people don't wear bathing suits to suit your visual pleasure, and could care less what you consider good looking or not. They are doing it to be comfortable- so keep your eyes to yourself if it bothers you that much.
Keep your fat uncovered *ss on the beach. It's SWIM wear, go swim.
Hope you aren't trying to make an assumption about me or my physical size. That would be incredibly stupid, as you know absolutely nothing about me. FYI, 6'4, 190 lbs, military= not fat by any means.
Also called bathing suits... Shorts... Thongs... Boy shorts... etc. You can call something any number of terms you so choose, that doesn't regulate that items use to ONLY that one specific thing. So you mean to tell me you only wear evening attire, in the evening? You never put on a suit for a morning or early afternoon function?
Yeah, women wore dresses on the boardwalk back when she was young and people rode their dinosaurs down the the shore.
I AGREE with this. Put a shirt on! Bathing suits are for swimming and being ON the beach. If you are walking in a public place, show some respect for other people- and respect for yourself. You should care what you look like. And, to all of you, I am NOT an old lady- just somebody that believes that people should dress with more care.
isn't the boardwalk on the beach? if you can't wear swimwear at the beach, then where would you wear it? i can see covering up to go into a place of business, but not for walking on the beach or boardwalk.
oh, and i don't give a rat's ass what people think about the way i present myself
Yes, it is on the beach. Kate, if you aren't an old lady, then you are well on your way. That or you prefer that we bring back times where ladies had to completely cover up. But then you won't be able to vote either.
Forgive her.....She is a Republican.
It looks like she just wants to enforce a law which is already on the books, what's wrong with you people? Isn't that what you want your elected officials to do??? If it's no longer a law which makes sense, change it, until then, put a freakin shirt on.
Then maybe we should start enforcing the local ordinances that require every automobile be preceeded by a pedestrian ringing a bell to warn the people on horseback that a car is coming.
Civility and respect for others do not go out of style. There is no "society" if we are nothing more than a bunch of individuals who lack empathy for others. I might swear and look like a slob at home, but I act differently in public spaces out of respect, not only for others, but for myself. My life and my freedoms only exist in the context of the larger society that makes them possible. The former invites indulgence. The latter requires restraint. Not too painful to wear a shirt and keep the four letter words down, unless those things are someone's reason for living. Sad if true.
If you look up Asbury Park, you will find many pictures of what it was in it's hay day, back from the early 1900's. And I will guess that the ordinance she speaks of is very old, back when women couldn't show knee or shoulder. Is that where you want to be Tamara?
Or the laws that allow a man to beat his wife, if the stick he uses to do such with is lesser in diameter than his thumb (or pinky finger, depending on which locality you are looking at- quite a few still have this law on the books as well.)