Why has Sorrento banned bikinis? Rules explained as tourists face £425 fines in Italian holiday hotspot

British holidaymakers are being warned they could face huge fine if they are caught wearing a bikini in a populaar tourist destination.

The Italian town of Sorrento has introduced a ban on the swimwear as well as on men walking around without shirts.

If you are caught flouting the rules you could be fined £425.

Here is all you need to know:

Why have bikinis been banned?

The ban on bikinis was announced by Sorrento’s mayor Massimo Coppola.

The town is a popular holiday spot as it overlooks the Bay of Naples,

The Mirror reports that the crackdown is due to skimpily clad holidaymakers are making the locals feel ‘discomfort and unease’.

He added that those walking around in bikinis or topless were “seen by the majority of people as contrary to decorum and to the decency that characterises civilised cohabitation”.

The mayor continued: “The continuation of this situation, as well as causing discomfort and unease in the resident population and among visitors, could lead to a negative judgment on the quality of life in our town, with consequences for its image and for tourism.”

The rules also apply to men being topless in Sorrento.

What are the punishments for breaking the rules?

Holidaymakers who flout the rules and continue to dress in bikini’s in Sorrento face being fined up to 500 euros - roughly £425 this summer.

It is a popular holiday destination and is a particular favourite spot for Instagram snaps, so make sure you have the proper dresswear if you are jetting off to the town this summer.

Is Sorrento the only place to ban bikinis?

The Italian town is not the only summer hotspot cracking down on swimwear this year.

Sorrento is not the only location to have warned tourists that bikinis are banned.

In Barcelona and Majorca, strict rules have been introduced, with people only allowed to wear bikinis on the beach and not in the surrounding areas.

If you break the rules you could be fined £260 in Barcelona, and up to £500 in Majorca.

Like Sorrento, the rules apply to topless men in Majorca.

Are there any other crackdowns on clothing?

The Mirror also reports that guests at popular party locations in Majorca are being warned they will not be allowed in if they are wearing football shirts or glow-in-the-dark hats.

A group of restaurants in the resort have also introduced a similar crack down.

What about alcohol rules?

The Baelleric Islands, which includes popular spots like Magaluf and Ibiza, have introduced strict alcohol rules.

There is a six drink per day limit for guests.

If you are caught breaking those rules you could risk be slapped with a fine this summer.

Bar crawls and party boats have also been banned, with organisors facing fines of up to 30,000 euros.

Travel agent Thomas Cook alerted customers to the changes in an email update on package holidays.

The email read: “Please be advised that a decree has been issued by the Balearic Government on a new restriction for All Inclusive meal option.

“There is a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day that can be served and these drinks will be provided only during lunch and dinner ( 3 each).

“Please be aware that Magalluf, El Arenal, Playa de Palma in Majorca and Sant Antoni in Ibiza, there is new restriction on All Inclusive.”