NZ hotel cops backlash for banning “unsightly” Lycra bike shorts

A New Zealand hotel has faced public backlash on social media after banning Lycra cycling shorts at the establishment last week.

The Plough Hotel, located in Rangiora, North Canterbury, is supportive of cyclists but has no interest in the somewhat revealing elastic shorts.

Stating that the fitted shorts are inappropriate for children and the elderly, hotel co-owner Mike Saunders told the Guardian customers should not be privy to “that much detail about the shape of somebody.”

“They might find there’s enough sausages on their breakfast already,” he said.

Multiple people have taken to the hotel’s Facebook page to express their displeasure regarding the decision.

“I’m a passionate cyclist. You’ll never see me in your hotel!” said one person.

“If you don’t like it then stop staring at it. Why are you staring at someone’s junk anyway?” said another.

Saunders hoped that no customers would take it personally and “understand it’s just a dress code.”

Deeming the snug shorts “inappropriate” and “unsightly”, Saunders let customers know the hotel’s stance on two separate chalk signs outside the venue.

Multiple Lycra-clad patrons, claiming they are “bulging for the Plough Hotel”, have posed photos with one sign that brightly displays “No Lycra Shorts”.

The sign is reminiscent of one displayed outside of Castle Rock Café, a Canterbury establishment that banned Lycra in 2013.

Customers wearing long tights or yoga pants should “look in a mirror first or ask a good friend,” according to the sign, while bold wearers of stubby shorts are “just ok.”

The hotel has stood staunchly by its decision, offering no apology on its Facebook page, instead posting a photo of the 1910 Dunedin cycling club, appropriately Lycra-free.

Chairwoman for New Zealand’s Pegasus Cycling Club told Fairfax New Zealand the ban displayed “some ignorance or lack of understanding.”

“There’s some people in New Zealand now who have grown up disconnected from bicycles, have no understanding of what it is to get out there and ride and see the scenery, they are interested in getting in their car and driving place to place.”

Some locals have expressed support for the policy change, one stating: “Good for you. Who wants to see some guy’s privates bulging in Lycra while eating?”

But many customers are confused about the overall Lycra ban, wondering why both men and women are included in the ban, given one gender’s lack of offensive bulges.

One suggested that the owners establish a general dress code, claiming

“There are many non-cycling people in public spaces who look unappetising.”

In August last year, a Sydney pub took down its Facebook page, after angry customers flooded the business with complaints about an update to the venue’s dress code that banned patrons in trade-work gear.