Rome:
Just how mini can a miniskirt be? If the mayor of a small Italian town has his way, law enforcement officials, and not fashion gurus, will be the ones to decide.
The mayor of the southern seaside town of Castellammare di Stabia was victorious on Monday when the city council approved a ban on football games in public parks and squares, blasphemy out loud, and "very skimpy clothes," the ANSA news agency reported.
Conservative Mayor Luigi Bobbio said that miniskirts and other provocative outfits could still be allowed as long as they are not too revealing.
A handful of local female politicians protested in front of the town's city hall during Monday's vote, but few, if any, wore miniskirts.
The measures also include a ban on playing football in public spaces - Bobbio says the games often turn into fights - sunbathing or undressing in town, blasphemy and foul language in general.
Men cannot go around shirtless either, the town rules say.
Violations can be punished with a fine of up to 500 euros (700 US dollars). The measures will go into force immediately, Bobbio said.