Post by: Ben on August 09, 2005, 05:20:31 PM
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http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-13399577,00.html
BREAST NOT BEST, SAYS EU
Beer drinkers in Germany are frothing at the mouth over EU plans to make Bavarian barmaids cover up.
The aim of the proposed EU directive is to protect them from the sun's harmful rays.
But the so-called "tan ban" has been condemned as absurd by breweries, politicians - and the barmaids.
Bavarian barmaids typically wear a a costume known as a dirndl - a dress and apron with a tight, low-cut top enhanced by a short white blouse.
Under the EU's Optical Radiation Directive, employers must ensure staff who work outdoors cover up against the risk of sunburn.
Bavarian bar keepers have been told the dirndl will have to be replaced as it does not provide adequate protection.
They face heavy fines if they fail to comply with the new legislation, which goes before MEPs next month.
The Mayor of Munich, Christian Ude, said: "A waitress no longer allowed to wander around a beer garden in a plunging neckline - this is the EU at its most pedantic."
A spokesman for the Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant Union said: "I have spoken to lots of waitresses and none said sunburn in the decollete area was a problem."
Organisers of the world's biggest beer festival, Munich's Oktoberfest, are just as angry. "This is an attack on the traditions of the region," said a spokesman.
Post by: wmenorr67 on August 09, 2005, 05:24:35 PM
Post by: Sindawe on August 09, 2005, 05:28:04 PM
Post by: Bemidjiblade on August 09, 2005, 10:45:37 PM
But, as long as it's not about ethics, I guess they have no qualms completely dictating any and every aspect of people's livces.
Post by: Preacherman on August 10, 2005, 03:23:32 AM
Post by: mfree on August 10, 2005, 04:19:16 AM
Post by: garyk/nm on August 10, 2005, 07:38:13 AM
I lived near Munich for 4 years and Oktoberfest is like the Texas State Fair of beer. Wonderful memories (and a few blank spots). Most of the beermaids are , shall we say....stout. Think defensive lineman with pigtails and massive cleavage. Double as bouncers.
"Hurts so good...."
Post by: El Tejon on August 10, 2005, 07:47:27 AM
Post by: Waitone on August 10, 2005, 12:32:39 PM
The other thing I found interesting was the locker room just off the beer hall where the regulars could store their personal drinking ware. Looked just like a high school gym locker room. The regulars would finish their drinking, grab a paper towel, carefully wipe out the stein, and place it in an appropriate locker secured with a lock and key. It was at that point I figured Chermans took their beer seriously and with great ceremony.
BTW, why the US be interested in recreating the EU on the North American continent is beyond me. We don't need european style bureaucrats. Our homegrown busybodies are plenty obnoxious.
Post by: bytor94 on August 10, 2005, 01:45:35 PM
Post by: Antibubba on August 10, 2005, 03:03:31 PM
Post by: Iapetus on August 11, 2005, 02:38:59 AM
Quote from: Antibubba
I guess the EU is working hard to emulate the US, by creating numerous assinine laws that the citizenry wil end up simply ignoring.
That reminds me of an interesting comment by a Law lecturer at my university:English law is traditionally based on the principle that everything is legal unless there is a law prohibiting it. French law is traditionally based on the principle that everything is prohibited unless a law allows it.
But the French long ago realised that that is a stupid principle, so got into the habit of ignoring any law they didn't like. The English, on the other hand, are more used to taking the law seriously.
Which is why we tend to obey all the stupid EU regulations, whereas the French just ignore them (and the attempts to enforce them).
Post by: Guest on August 11, 2005, 02:40:19 AM
Quote from: Antibubba
I guess the EU is working hard to emulate the US, by creating numerous assinine laws that the citizenry wil end up simply ignoring.
this is the easy way to make everyone a criminal.
Post by: Nightfall on August 11, 2005, 05:13:43 AM
Post by: Stickjockey on August 11, 2005, 07:45:28 AM
Quote
Only adults elected to government office are competent enough to make decisions about YOUR health, apparently.
"I'm the only one here professional enough to handle this tube of sunscreen..."