Another South Jersey town could ban saggy pants as part of an extensive dress code proposal.
Riverside’s township committee will take public comment Monday night about Ordinance No. 6 -- a proposal that would not only ban saggy pants but also put “decency standards” on being in public areas without a shirt and wearing shoes at all times.
If the ordinance passes, the small Burlington County town along the Rancocas Creek would join Wildwood and Penns Grove as towns with dress codes that ban wearing pants too low.
“Sagging” as it is called is when someone wears his or her pants, shorts or skirt 3 inches or more below the waistline. The fashion trend is popular among young people and disdained by some old timers.
Riverside’s ban would apply to anyone 12 years of age or older and includes a requirement that all adults also wear shoes in the downtown area, public parks and buildings of the town with a population around 8,000 residents.
Not wearing a shirt would also be banned from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The penalty for not complying with the dress code starts at a warning for a first offense to up to $200 with a mandatory court appearance as well as up to 40 hours of community service for multiple offenses.
The Scene
After allowing the public to comment at Monday's 7 p.m. meeting the township committee could vote to enact the ban.
“We’re following Wildwood’s procedures,” Mayor George Conard Sr. told PhillyBurbs.com last month.
Wildwood's ordinance took effect earlier this summer. It prohibits wearing shorts, swimsuits, pants or skirts more than 3 inches below the waist.
Wildwood Mayor Ernest Troiano Jr. said the issue is simple.
"This is just adding a little bit of decency to our town,'' he said. "It's amazing -- and this is a pun -- how far decency has fallen through the cracks."
Seaside Heights also recently considered a ban on sagging.
