Hen parties are under threat after city officials in York introduce ban on sexually explicit clothing
- Police in York warn Hen parties could face proceedings over X-rated outfits
- Clothing explicit slogans and swear words have led to complaints from residents
- North Yorkshire Police say the offence carries a punishment of six months in jail
Hen parties in York could face criminal proceedings over sexually explicit clothing, police warn.
The city has become a hit destination for celebrating groups, but outfits with X-rated slogans and swear words have led to complaints from residents.
Margaret Webster, from Copmanthorpe, a village on the outskirts of the city, said she felt ‘shocked and disgusted’ after seeing a group of women with sexually explicit vest tops while she showed a friend around York last week.
Mrs Webster was angered by ‘sexually explicit and offensive’ slogans on vest tops worn by a large party of women in Stonegate, close to the city’s historic Minster, last Saturday while with a friend and their two young daughters.
Hen parties in York could face criminal proceedings over sexually explicit clothing, police warn. X-rated slogans and swear words have led to complaints from residents who say they are ‘appalled and embarrassed’ (Hen party stock image)
She said: ‘My friend and her daughter are not local and were visiting York as tourists, and were shocked and disgusted. I was appalled and embarrassed.’
Mrs Webster said she believed York should make it clear such behaviour and dress was unacceptable, adding: ‘They should not be allowed in any bars/restaurants and should be charged with a public order/indecency offences.’
Now police have warned party-goers that they could be committing an offence under the Public Order Act – which carries a maximum punishment of six months in jail.
North Yorkshire Police (stock image) say they are taking a stand against the problem. They warned party-goers that they could be committing an offence under the Public Order Act – which carries a maximum punishment of six months in jail
North Yorkshire Police say they are taking a stand against the problem.
PC John Armstrong, of North Yorkshire Police, said: ‘It’s possible that a public order offence could be committed if the wording is offensive.’
He said individuals would initially be asked to remove an offending item from view, but that ‘criminal proceedings may be necessary’ if this approach failed.
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