The author, John Marek, is executive director of the Anson Economic Development Partnership.
In an iconic scene from the 1982 movie “Fast Times At Ridgemont High,” perpetually stoned surfer Jeff Spicoli and his equally addled buddies walk into a fast-food restaurant, sit down and inexplicably remove their shirts. Assistant manager Brad Hamilton takes note of this, approaches them and points out a sign reading, “No Shoes. No Shirt. No Dice.” It’s a silly scene for a couple of reasons: No one, regardless of how high they might be, enters a restaurant and abruptly takes off their clothes, and the “No Dice” is just a little too cutesy to be believed.
I thought about that scene the other day as I entered a convenience store I frequent near my home – the standard “No Shirt. No Shoes. No Service.” sign was amended with a piece of tape and the handwritten words “No Mask.”
Whatever your thoughts about mask-wearing, the purpose of the mask restriction is pretty clear. But what about the shirt and shoes? Was there ever a time when half-naked, unshod people entering stores was that big a problem?
There are not now nor ever were any federal or state laws requiring a shirt or shoes in public places, and the health risks associated with not wearing them are minuscule. Early versions of “No Service” signs often said, “By Order of the Health Board,” and while some municipalities did pass ordinances along those lines, they were not widely enforced.
Most observers agree the first “No Service” signs began appearing in the late 1950s, but gained prominence in the mid-to-late 1960s, paralleling the rise of the counterculture “hippie” movement. Thus, many believe the signs were an attempt to keep that element, dressed unconventionally and often shirtless, barefoot and unwashed, away from respectable establishments.
An alternate interpretation of the “No Service” rules hypothesizes that these policies’ intent was racial biased, as blacks were disproportionately more impoverished than whites and less likely to own shoes. While I wouldn’t rule anything out, that interpretation doesn’t immediately make sense, as someone too poor to own shoes probably isn’t doing a lot of shopping or dining out.
Whatever its origins, the “No Service” sign has become an accepted norm in most retail and dining establishments. We don’t think much about it and with a very few exceptions probably wouldn’t think about entering a store or restaurant without a shirt or shoes. But, there is always an exception.
Twenty years ago, I worked for a consulting firm and had a midday meeting in Wrightsville Beach. Knowing I would have an opportunity to dip my toes in the ocean after the session, I took some swim trunks and a T-shirt. I forgot to bring any flip-flops or water shoes, though. It wasn’t a problem on the beach end, as I walked (carefully) from my car to the sand in bare feet, but I realized on the drive home that I would need to stop for gas. This was before pump-mounted card readers, back when you had to go into the station to pay. So my dilemma was either to walk into the shop barefoot, in defiance of the sign, or to wear black wing-tip dress shoes with a swimsuit. The wing-tips won out, and honestly, I doubt anyone noticed. It was then a little town called Wadesboro on the road to the beach, so I guess they were used to seeing strange things.