In a bikini or bare-chested in Blankenberge? Chance of a hefty fine | Abroad

Bathers strolling through the city center in bathing suits – in bikinis or bare-chested – during the summer months: sometimes it is not very appetizing. That is why Blankenberge is going to introduce a dress code, just like Knokke-Heist. On the Zeedijk and the beach of Blankenberg you are allowed to take your clothes off.

“We are not just going to issue fines,” says Mayor Daphné Dumery. “You will be warned first.” The council will put up warning signs. Those who do not want to listen or take the gamble risk a fine of 350 euros.

The new police ordinance was approved by the city council and will come into effect on July 1. “But only those who really cause nuisance will get the ticket,” said Mayor Dumery. “Some visitors literally walked through the shopping streets straight after their dip in the sea, and that is not really clean. It’s mainly about those kinds of cases.”

The regulation only applies to the city center and does not apply to children under 12 years of age. “We are not going to just issue fines. You will be warned first,” Dumery adds. “Bare-chested in the city have long been a thorn in the side of many other people, both residents and visitors.”

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