Semi-naked customers visiting their local supermarket or restaurants is becoming more common due to the UK heatwave which is currently in full effect.
Fewer layers are in-turn being worn by punters who are out and about - with men occasionally ditching the shirt and women sporting bikinis to cope with the sweltering weather.
And although many show a lack of concern with regards to the clothing they should choose to wear, or go without due to an increase in temperature, there are rules on how much you can reveal before you end up in trouble.
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The Mirror reports that there is no offence around being naked in public, provided there is the absence of sexual content - but only if there is no intention to shock or upset others. Men with their tops off may plead that their intention is to stay cool and not offend, while women sporting swimwear may say the same.
But shops can decide whether or not they will allow people wearing minimal clothing in their store, so don't be surprised if you get turned away when popping by your local. Regarding the law, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says that 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, and as aforementioned, there must also clearly be no intention to cause alarm or distress to others.
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. 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 shoppers were told to keep their shirts on during the scorching summer heatwave - as the number of semi naked customers went through the roof. Supermarket bosses at a Rhyl branch introduced a strict dress code to their store - amid concerns relating to hygiene.
People have understandably raised fears that topless men and scantily clad women could affect food safety due to sweat dripping onto products. In-turn, the budget retailer displayed a notice in the doorway, requesting that patrons cover up while in store.
It read: “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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