European resorts prohibit beggars, improper clothing

Some European tourist hotspots are clamping down on unwanted behavior this summer, with Italy's glamorous Portofino banning beggars from its picturesque streets and French coastal resorts prohibiting shirtless visitors from town centers.

Anti-poverty campaigners have vowed to challenge the ban on homeless people begging in the Italian Riviera beauty spot, while local lawmakers say the new restrictions aim to preserve the destination's upscale image following complaints about decorum, reported The Times newspaper.

Running through the peak summer season until Sept 30, the ban prevents begging across the town's main tourist zones, including the historic center and port areas. Rule-breakers face fines ranging from 25 to 500 euros ($29 to $578).

The measures have sparked debate in local media, with Portofino officials saying the rules will help prevent "fear and apprehension among citizens and visitors", while critics claim they are an attempt to erase signs of poverty and sanitize the town's image for wealthy tourists.

A homeless advocacy group has threatened legal action if the council does not withdraw the ban within 15 days.

"Begging is not a crime, and in Italy it cannot be outlawed," said Antonio Mumolo, president of Avvocato di Strada, which filed a formal complaint last week.

Regional Democratic Party councilor and former labor minister Andrea Orlando wrote on social media: "Portofino has declared war on poor people."

Avvocato di Strada, which translates as "Street Lawyer", cites previous court decisions that struck down similar measures in cities including Verona and argues Portofino's ban violates both constitutional and national law.

"There is a growing mentality that poverty is a personal failing that must be punished," said Mumolo. "But poverty is often the result of life's accidents. It is wrong to punish people for being poor."

In France, several resorts have introduced fines for people going topless in town centers in response to complaints about inappropriate attire worn away from beach areas, in shops and in the streets.

The rules target both men without shirts and women in bikini tops, with exceptions only for beachfront areas. The penalty for refusing to cover up when asked is 150 euros.

"It's a question of respect," said Yannick Moreau, the mayor of Sables d'Olonne, a popular destination on the coast of western France. "The Sablais don't want people wandering around half-naked."

Unlike Italy's begging restrictions, the French dress-code rules are aimed at both visitors and locals and are not facing legal challenges.

"If you want to show off your pectorals and your best swimming trunks, 11 kilometers of beaches are there for you," Moreau added.

jonathan@mail.chinadailyuk.com