CUSTOMERS at supermarkets, restaurants and pubs such as Wetherspoon need to dress appropriately whatever the weather – or risk not being served.
The UK is set to bask in a scorching heatwave in the coming days, so you might be wearing skimpier clothes than usual.
Check the dress code before you head anywhere in the heatwave
Brits have been told not to travel during the “extreme heat” alert and encouraged to ditch the booze.
But whether you’re heading to the supermarket to stock up on the best burgers for your barbecue, or heading to the local pub for a cooling drink – be sure you’re dressed appropriately.
Many shops, bars and restaurants have specific dress codes and often won’t tolerate customers who don’t stick to the rules.
Here’s what you need to know:
Can I be kicked out of a shop or pub for how I’m dressed?
If you’re wearing less because of the hot weather, you could find yourself in breach of a firm’s policy.
It is not an offence to be naked in public in England and Wales, but it can become one in certain circumstances – for example, if it’s proved you stripped off with the intent to shock or cause upset.
The Crown Prosecution Service has a guide to nudity in public.
But different shops have their own policies and retailers have banned customers on the basis of their attire – so it’s worth checking before you head out.
If in doubt, the best thing you can do is contact the company before you head out to check its policy.
Which bars and pubs have dress codes?
Wetherspoon details the dress code for its pubs on its website.
It reads: “The majority of our pubs are family environments so we ask our customers to dress appropriately and in a way which would not cause offence to the public.
“All customers must be fully clothed throughout their visit. The company does not permit the removal of shirts or footwear.
“In addition, some pubs operate specific dress codes at all or certain times. For information on these requirements, speak directly to the team of the pub you wish to visit.”
Elsewhere in it’s FAQs, the pub states: “We have the right to refuse service and/or entry to the premises – without providing you with a reason.”
Bar chain Revolution labels its dress code as “pretty (smart) casual.
Its website says that the exact dress code can vary from bar to bar and on time and day of the week but that “we politely request no sportswear, vests or football colours. And in the evening? Trainers are normally a no-no.”
Meanwhile, bar group Slug and Lettuce says its dress code is smart/casual with “no hats, soiled work clothes, tracksuits or jogging bottoms”.
Which other companies have dress codes?
Lidl told SE its only dress code requirement is that customers wear shoes.
It said: “We can confirm that other than footwear for healthy and safety purposes, we don’t have any specific rules in place relating to clothing in our stores.”
Shropshire supermarket Tuffins famously banned customers from wearing dressing gowns and nightwear back in 2018, and one shopper called on Tesco to do the same.
Airplane passengers have previously been removed from flights for being dressed inappropriately including one woman who was moved from an Virgin Australia plane in January 2021.
A Virgin Australia spokesperson told Sun Online Travel at the time: “The dress guidelines on our aircraft are similar to other airlines here in Australia and the vast majority of those who fly with us meet or exceed them.”
Restaurants often have dress code rules, particularly posh eateries.
For example the Gordon Ramsey restaurant website states that men cannot wear t-shirts, shorts, sportswear, sneakers or trainers of any kind, and that “ripped, studded or torn denim jeans will not be accepted”.
Elsewhere, one Wetherspoons expert revealed why you should never order a pitcher in your local.
And another worker lifted the lid on why there’s never any music playing in a Wetherspoons.