A beachside deli located just north of Perth has ignited a fierce public debate after displaying a handwritten sign that specifically targets female customers with a dress code rule. The notice, which has been widely criticised as sexist, singles out women wearing revealing bikini bottoms, prompting Channel 10 newsreader Narelda Jacobs to share her dismay on social media.
Controversial Sign Sparks Immediate Backlash
The sign, photographed outside the establishment, explicitly stated: 'Ladies. If wearing G-string bikinis, please cover up before entering our store. Thanks.' It concluded with the phrase 'No bare bums,' accompanied by a smiley face. Narelda Jacobs posted the image to her Instagram account, captioning it: 'Spotted outside a beachside deli... while inside shirtless men appeared quite welcome.' She added a facepalm emoji to underscore her disapproval, quickly drawing attention to what many perceive as a glaring double standard.
Public Outcry Over Perceived Sexism
The post rapidly fuelled a heated online discussion, with numerous commentators expressing shock and anger at the deli's approach. Many questioned why the rule was applied exclusively to women, highlighting the apparent welcome extended to shirtless male patrons. One user remarked, 'Ew! And why is this only addressed to "ladies"?', while another asserted, 'This has to be a joke! A store wants to control only what women wear. A man in a G is ok? Can we please stop commenting on women's bodies?'
Further criticism centred on the lack of gender neutrality in the policy. Several individuals argued that any dress code should be enforced equally. 'I reckon if a store puts a sign up saying don't wear your swimmers inside, it should apply to everyone. Don't you think that is reasonable?' one person queried. Others suggested more inclusive phrasing, such as 'no pants, no service' or 'no G-string or visible nipples inside - no genders, just equal standards.'
Defence of Business Owner Rights
Conversely, some respondents defended the deli's prerogative to set its own rules, irrespective of public opinion. 'It's their shop so they make the rules. Follow them or don't go in! Pretty simple really,' one comment read. Another supporter stated, 'It's their place of business... it should be ok for them to say what grosses them out. If these folks don't like looking at butt cheeks, then shouldn't it be ok for them to say that?'
A few attempted to justify the rule on hygiene grounds, given the deli serves food. 'If it's a food service place where people eat in, then it's a matter of hygiene. Although I wouldn't want to be looking at hairy chests while eating either,' one user noted, laughing. However, this argument was often countered by those insisting the issue was fundamentally about sexism, not sanitation.
Humorous Reactions and Missed Points
The controversy also inspired humorous suggestions, with some joking that men should visit the cafe wearing G-strings to test the policy's consistency. 'I'd buy male G-string swimmers just to visit. With a top on, of course,' one person quipped. Yet, amidst the banter, several commentators emphasised that the core issue was being overlooked. One individual clarified, 'This post appears to highlight sexism rather than debating store policies, given guys are allowed to be topless without issue.'
The incident underscores ongoing societal tensions regarding gender equality, business autonomy, and appropriate attire in casual settings. As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether the deli will reconsider its signage or if the discourse will influence broader conversations about inclusive dress codes in Australia's coastal communities.
