The all-knowing and all-powerful European Union is demanding that German barmaids wear less revealing clothes.

Bavarians are hot under the collar over an EU directive that will force their barmaids to cover up, supposedly to protect them from the sun.

Brewery owners, politicians and most of the women themselves have condemned the legislation as absurd, claiming the "tan ban", as it has been nicknamed, will destroy a centuries-old tradition.

Bavarian barmaids typically dress in a costume known as a "dirndl", a dress and apron with a tight, low-cut top whose figure-hugging effect is enhanced by a short white blouse.

Under the EU's Optical Radiation Directive, employers of staff who work outdoors, including those in Bavaria's beer gardens, must ensure they cover up against the risk of sunburn.

It's time for the Europeans to tell the E.U. that enough is enough. What are they going to do? Invade?

Well, the backlash has apparently been heard at the E.U., because now they are backing off of their demand.

While rumors swept the area that the European Union planned to ban dirndls, officials finally said that working in a beer garden is not considered a high-risk occupation -- at least for sun exposure.

So only gardners, landscapers, lifeguards, etc. will be told that they have to wear more clothes.