Audience members who have flouted the house’s dress code have been offered a unique solution.

Ushers at La Scala, one of the most respected opera houses in the world, have advised audience members in casual attire to nab more suitable clothing from a nearby H&M in order to be allowed into the theatre.

La Scala’s dress code is clearly stated on its website, with visitors “kindly requested to dress in keeping with the decorum of the Theatre, out of respect for the Theatre and other viewers. People wearing shorts or sleeveless T-shirts will not be allowed inside the auditorium; in this case, tickets will not be reimbursed.” To avoid turning away guests who have paid to see a show, ushers are instead directing them to the closest store.

“We’re seeing this every day”, an usher told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, according to the UK’s The Telegraph. “Often we are forced to refuse entry to people who haven’t respected the rules, especially if they are wearing shorts or singlets.”

“We advise them to go to H&M, which is not far away, to buy a pair of long trousers or whatever is required,” he said. “The foreigners mostly rush off...