Utah town may revise ban on bikinis at city pool

[June 12, 2008]  KANAB, Utah (AP) -- A ban on bikinis at the city pool is expected to be revised, ending a short-lived prohibition on the popular two-piece pool attire. But that does not mean that lifting the G-rating is going to lead to poolside G-strings.

"My recommendation is going to be no thongs or string bikinis," said City Councilwoman Nina Laycook, who called the original dress code an oversight.

Laycook said the policy will probably be revised at the council's meeting June 24, bringing Kanab back in line with city pools even in the state's most conservative communities.

"We were so engrossed with safety and health issues we overlooked the wording," Laycook said. "We are addressing that now by amending the policy."

Bikinis that don't reveal too much will be allowed, as will Speedos for men when the new public pool -- known as the Cowboy Water'n Hole -- opens July 4 in the community just north of the Arizona state line.

Laycook said council members discussed revising the policy Tuesday night. She does not expect any problems making the change.

But the publicity that the ban received may linger for the city like a bad sunburn.

The restrictions were not popular, even in the community where the council passed a resolution in 2006 to favor the "natural family" consisting of a working husband, a stay-at-home wife and a "full quiver of children."

Victor Cooper, owner of the Rocking-V Cafe, said customers in the restaurant joked about the ban and expected them to be glad when it was lifted.

"They reacted to the (ban) with comical disbelief more than anything," Cooper said.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com/

[Associated Press; By HILLEL ITALIE]

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