Ordinance Bans Swim Suits On Asbury Park Boardwalk

It's against the law to wear a swim suit on the boardwalk in Asbury Park.

Former Councilwoman Louise Murray, who is chairman of the Asbury Park Republicans,  is pressing the city council to enforce the ordinance, which was adopted more than 40 years ago.

The ordinance says: "No person clad in bathing attire shall be on the boardwalk or the public walks adjacent thereto."

Murray, 74,  tells The Star-Ledger she's worried allowing boardwalk bar and restaurant patrons to wear skimpy attire threatens Asbury's "classy" image. "I understand that social things have changed," Murray told the paper'  "But forget that. Just put a shirt on." She is concerned that not enforcing the rule will lead Asbury Park down a slippery slope. "Do we want to end up like Seaside?" asks Murray.

Deputy Mayor John Loffredo tells the newspaper it's up to businesses to set dress codes and the city doesn't have the resources to enforce the ban. At one time the swim suit ban could earn violators a ticket.

Changing rooms that once were connected to the beach by tunnels and catwalks disappeared years ago.