British Naturism has launched a Public Acceptance Policy aimed at confirming to the general public and authority that naturists are sensible, reliable and normal members of society who have no wish to upset or offend, as well as giving guidance to naturists who may find themselves in difficult situations.

Policy

One of the primary aims of CCBN is to facilitate and extend opportunities for practising naturism on beaches, and in other suitable places to which the public have access. It is recognized that nudity in public is not as such unlawful in the United Kingdom, a fact that we will publicise as and whenever appropriate.

It is our aim to promote acceptance by the general public of naturism and naturist activity on beaches and other suitable places.

We do not support any nudity that can be expected to confront, antagonise or annoy members of the public, nor do we support any nudity that confronts the police, or breaks the law.

In support of this policy CCBN will publish and maintain advisory guidelines to be observed by its members and other naturists.
Observance of the advisory guidelines will be a necessary condition of legal or other support for any member who is arrested or charged with an offence involving nudity in public.

The Executive Council will, at its meeting next following the Annual General Meeting each year, appoint a member of the Executive Council with the following duties:

• revising and updating the guidelines, as necessary, in the light of legislation, case law and experience of their operation


• monitoring matters concerning public acceptance of naturism and nudity


• making recommendations to the Executive Council in matters affecting public acceptance and the promotion of nudity.


• making regular reports to the Executive Council on the progress of public acceptance.

Guidelines

Carefully consider whether it is an appropriate place for going naked without causing offence.

Nudity should never be flaunted. Discretion should be your first consideration. Clothed people should not be approached.

Maintain a distance from other people, from crowds, buildings (including beach-huts), roads paths, etc.

Be alert to changing circumstances. If you seem to be causing annoyance or hostility, get dressed. There is no excuse for confrontation.

It other people are misbehaving, distance yourself from them.

If told to dress by a police officer, do so immediately without argument. Remain calm and polite. Note his or her identity and discuss the situation. If you are arrested or warned of possible proceedings, do not accept a caution or fixed penalty without legal advice. Report what has happened to CCBN head office at the earliest opportunity.

If other people are in the area, ask them if they will support you with a statement of the circumstances. This could be particularly helpful if they were not also nude.

It is a hard fact that if you are a man on your own, or one of a group of men, you must be especially careful not to give cause for offence.