A Downey, California, restaurant, Ojos Locos, is facing backlash and fines after its employee uniforms were deemed to violate city dress code ordinances. The establishment, known for its sports bar atmosphere and predominantly female staff, has found itself at the center of a debate over what constitutes appropriate attire for food handlers.
The city of Downey’s regulations stipulate specific limitations on clothing for food service employees. These rules prohibit露出mid-riffs, chest exposure extending 3 inches below the collarbone, and leg exposure 3 inches below the buttocks. Mayor Mario Trujillo defended the city’s stance, stating, “When it comes to food handlers, male or female, it’s just not necessary to wear that type of uniform.” This comment underscores the city’s concern about the appropriateness of certain uniform styles in a food handling environment.
Ojos Locos, a restaurant chain originating from Texas, has actively defended its uniform policy. They submitted sketches of their standard uniforms and provided examples of servers at the Downey location to city officials. The uniforms in question typically consist of T-shirts modified into tank tops, paired with short skirts and spandex shorts worn underneath. A company spokesperson asserted that their “standard uniform of skorts and T-shirts are legal and appropriate for our restaurant’s theme,” indicating a clash between the restaurant’s branding and the city’s regulations. The restaurant is appealing the fines, seeking reimbursement and contesting the city’s interpretation of its dress code.
Mayor Trujillo suggested a potential misunderstanding of the local ordinance on the part of the restaurant, implying that the issue might stem from differing interpretations rather than intentional defiance.
Defending their uniform choice, Ojos Locos drew comparisons to attire commonly seen in other sports bars and even cheerleader uniforms. They argue their uniforms are no more revealing than these accepted norms in similar entertainment settings. Customer Jerry Garza supported this view, stating, “I see some women walk around bra-less… I don’t see a problem here. They’re not walking around without bras … You just treat everybody with respect and everything is fine. I don’t see a problem. If they don’t like it, don’t come to the place.” This perspective highlights a segment of the public that finds the uniforms acceptable and sees the controversy as unwarranted.
However, not all community members share this sentiment. The restaurant’s location across from a Baptist church has amplified concerns for some. Marilyn Johnson, after attending bible study, expressed disapproval, stating, “That’s inappropriate.” She recounted a past experience where her previous church congregation prayed for a nearby bar to close, which subsequently happened, introducing a religious and community values dimension to the uniform debate.
Currently, neither party has initiated legal action. Ojos Locos is pursuing an appeal to contest the fines, aiming to resolve the issue outside of court proceedings. The situation remains a point of contention in Downey, highlighting differing views on dress codes, restaurant branding, and community standards. The appeal process will determine the next chapter in this ongoing uniforms controversy.
