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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Christopher Harper & Graeme Murray

Rules about semi-naked people visiting supermarkets and restaurants as heatwave hits UK

Semi-naked people visiting supermarkets and restaurants are more common during a heatwave.

Fewer layers are worn and occasionally men don't wear shirts and women just bikinis.

Many people are not too concerned about skimpy clothing as the temperatures increase.

But what are the rules over how little you can wear and is it worth finding out before you get in trouble.

BirminghamLive reports there is no offence around being naked in public, but only if there is no intention to shock or upset other people.

Men with their tops off therefore the intention is to stay cool and not offend.

Men appearing in coffee bars or shops happens more when people are abroad on holiday (Getty Images/Aurora Open)

But shops can decide whether or not they want people with little clothes entering their stores so don't be surprised if managers tell you to wear a shirt or leave.

Regarding the law, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says every case should be taken into account on individual merit.

It is not usually an offence to be naked in public, provided there is the absence of sexual content.

There must also clearly be no intention to cause alarm or distress to others.

Naturists usually have locations where they can be openly nude without causing offence (Getty Images)

The CPS says: "Naturism is used to describe the activities of persons who espouse nudity as part of their lifestyle.

"In the case of naturism a balance needs to be struck between the naturist's right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress.

"Although every case should be considered according to its own facts and merits in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, a consistent approach to naturism should be adopted to maintain public confidence in the CPS.

Stripping off in your own back garden is acceptable, but going to a store might require clothing (Getty Images/Johner RF)

"In the absence of any sexual context and in relation to nudity where the person has no intention to cause alarm or distress it will normally be appropriate to take no action unless members of the public were actually caused harassment, alarm or distress."

In 2018, The Mirror reported how Aldi told shoppers to keep their tops on after the sweltering heatwave sent the number of semi-naked customers soaring.

Supermarket bosses at the branch in Rhyl introduced a dress code at the store in north Wales due to concerns about hygiene.

It is not usually an offence to be naked in public, provided there is the absence of sexual content (Getty Images/Radius Images)

People have raised fears that some of the topless men and scantily clad women could affect food safety due to them being visibly sweaty.

The discount retailer displayed a notice at the doorway requesting that patrons cover up when shopping in store

It reads: “For hygiene reasons, we respectfully request that all customers keep their shirts on whilst in the store during the hot weather.

“Thank you for your co-operation and enjoy the sun!”

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