Williamsburg - Hearing for Orthodox Jewish shops’ ‘modesty’ rules

The city’s battle against Orthodox Jewish retail shops that require “modesty’’ of their customers should go to trial, an administrative judge has ruled.

Both sides have been fighting for months over signs that Satmar shops in Williamsburg put in their windows saying, “Entrance here only for those with modest attire. No Shorts, No Barefoot, No Sleeveless, NO Low Cut Neckline ALLOWED IN THIS STORE.”

The city argues that the signs are discriminatory against women, non-Jews and the non-religious by making them feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in the Lee Avenue stores.

“The whole key is, ‘How does that sign make someone feel? How would a person feel looking at that sign and [about] whether he or she is welcome in that store?’ ” Clifford Mulqueen, of the city’s Commission on Human Rights, said to The Post.

But the shops say the signs are geared toward both sexes — and don’t single out anyone any differently than a posh eatery that requires a coat and tie.

“Frankly, it’s very troubling that the commission thinks it’s OK for the Four Seasons restaurant to impose a dress code but not a bakery owned by a Hasidic businessman,’’ said lawyer Jay Lefkowitz.

The trial will consist of a two-day hearing in administrative court in January, officials said.

NY POST