Virginia Beach is known for its sun-soaked shores, family activities, and bustling three-mile oceanfront boardwalk.
But city officials are now turning their attention to a different kind of display—clothing shops featuring raunchy and provocative slogans that some say clash with the city’s family-friendly vibe.
Provocative Apparel Sparks Debate
Shops along the boardwalk have long sold eye-catching clothing, but some items have raised eyebrows.
Shorts reading phrases like “all you can eat,” “it ain’t gonna spank itself,” and “roll your weed on it” sit alongside shirts sporting profanity or slogans like “I’m not always a dck,” “fck around and find out,” and “I [heart] boobs.”
Adam Desouki, manager of Ocean 11 Clothing and Gift Shop, told The Virginian-Pilot that younger visitors love the edgy apparel.
“The new generation, they like this so much,” he said, noting that these novelty items often fly off the shelves.
City Officials Push for Change
Despite their popularity, local officials believe such merchandise has no place in public view.
Councilman Worth Remick, representing a section of the Oceanfront Boardwalk, said, “Enough is enough.
This is a calm, gentle, nice way to say this is not good for our brand, for our city.”
On Tuesday night, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution asking retailers to remove “indecent” clothing from storefront displays.
While the resolution is voluntary and not legally enforceable—criminal obscenity laws are tough to apply—officials hope store owners will comply for the community’s benefit.
Encouraging a Unified Approach
The council also asked local groups, including the Atlantic Avenue Association and the Resort Advisory Commission, to back the initiative and encourage retailers to follow the guidelines.
Deepak Nachnani, president of the Atlantic Avenue Association, clarified, “We’re not telling store owners not to carry the shirts.
We’re just telling them to not put them in the store windows or on the mannequins at the front of the store.”
Mixed Reactions from Businesses
Not all store owners are on board. Desouki expressed concern that removing the controversial clothing could hurt sales, especially during the off-season when foot traffic is low.
“The owners need to make money in a certain period of time,” he explained, noting that these shirts and shorts are a key attraction.
Other businesses are more receptive. Avinash Basnet, owner of The T-Shirt Factory, said he would participate in the clean-up effort but emphasized that it must be a collective move.
“I’m willing to commit to that, but it has to be for everybody,” he told WHRO.
Visitors Weigh In
Many boardwalk visitors appear to support the council’s stance, citing the importance of maintaining a family-friendly environment.
Kecia Magnus from New Jersey remarked, “They’re just shoving this in kids’ faces,” while Angie Whitlock, 68, from Georgia, added, “I think it’s awful.
This is a family-friendly place, and as a community we need to protect our children. Maybe move that stuff to the back for the bachelors.”
