Put the clothes or pay a fine, warn the Portuguese resort

Tourists in the popular Portuguese city of Albufeira can soon be forbidden to wander their streets with swimsuits or face a strong fine.

The city next to the beach in the southern Algarve region, a favorite of British tourists, has reviewed its code of conduct, explicitly prohibiting people in a state of partial or complete nakedness in public areas.

According to the new plans, anyone who uses a bikini or who goes without a shirt away from the beach could receive a fine of up to € 1,500 (£ 1,250).

Albufeira joins a relatively long list of European cities with similar laws, including Barcelona, ​​Dubrovnik and Nice.

The city has beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife, but its reputation as a party destination has damaged the image of Albufeira.

Last year, eight British men were filmed by dancing completely naked in a bar in broad daylight in Rua da Oura, the main party strip of Albufeira. The videos became viral and the Portuguese police were able to identify tourists.

He prepared an emergency meeting with the local council, security forces and companies, and Mayor José Carlos Rolo promised to take energetic measures against “excessive” tourist behavior.

He Proposal document (in Portuguese) He states that the “urgent” change is necessary to “preserve Albufeira as a multicultural, familiar and suitable destination.”

It also prohibits sexual acts in public, another local discomfort.

The rules extend to the terraces that can be seen from public spaces, and commercial operators discovered that they have allowed bad behavior could also face substantial fines.

The proposal is currently for public consultation, but it could be in place in time for summer.