GRAMBLING, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Gentlemen, check your belt lines. Now in the town of Grambling you can be fined for having saggy pants.
Grambling State University drives the local economy, and it's image of a clean, desirable town.
That's why police chief Tommy Clark wants to strengthen the dress code.
Clark says, "after meetings with some elderly citizens who were have lunch at the Church's said it was just irate at some of the scenes they were seeing while they were having lunch."
The younger generation feels like they are being targeted.
Grambling SGA President, Jonathan Allen, says "they're going to be extremely upset."
Allen says the student body will not like this new law.
He says, "many of our students are "saggers." They're young, it is a fashion trend in today's society; especially at Grambling State University, so it's a major concern."
One concern, what is considered sagging?
Clark says, "we're not going to have a tape measure, it's just going to be your natural waste line."
Clark says the first step will be to ask the person to pull their pants up; but if they refuse the police need something in place to enforce it.
He says on the first offense, "it's a maximum of a $150 fine, 15 days in jail, or 24 hours of community service."
It continues to increase from there. On the second offense it's a $250 fine, no more than 30 days in jail, or 48 hours of community service.
The third is no more than $500 dollars, no more than 60 days in jail, or 96 hours of community service.
Clark says this will be a good thing for the city, and for business opportunities.
He says, "we won't have to dress up, we'll already be dressed when they arrive."
The ordinance passed with a 3 to 2 vote, and goes into effect immediately.
Other cities that have passed similar ordnances include Farmerville, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Alexandria.
The Monroe City Council voted against an ordinance last summer.
