Sun, 26 Jan 2025

'I don't want to buy a £4 coffee just so I can use the loo'

Should cafés let people who don't buy anything use their toilets?
A Starbucks in the US recently reversed its open-door policy, sparking a wider discussion about whether coffee shops should provide public toilet facilities. In the UK, while some companies still allow non-customers to use their loos, many others are introducing restrictions. Some even deny access to people with medical conditions. However, critics argue that this shift is problematic and leads to difficulties for people who need to use a bathroom but don't have the money or means to purchase something. Some businesses that have public toilet policies in place include 200 Degrees coffee shops, which welcome non-customers into their facilities. A lack of public toilets is also being blamed on the decline in provision since 2010. The British Toilet Association estimates that there are less than a third of the required number to meet the needs of the growing and ageing population. Local authorities have tried partnering with businesses to share toilet facilities, but this often breaks down as councils focus on saving money rather than providing public conveniences. The issue is being driven home by social media accounts and apps highlighting places that offer accessible toilets for people with disabilities. A call has been made for the government to make it a legal requirement for local councils to provide enough toilets.
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