I was in the Forum the other night (not my favourite place but my girlfriend likes it and it's open late) and I was disturbed to find they've got staff in the toilets acting, as far as I could tell, as human soap dispensers.
Presumably they've got people in there to try and prevent posers from snorting charlie off the bog seats but surely there's a better way of doing it.
I don't want to be going for a wazz to have bouncers hovering about saying 'Freshen up, man?' (whatever that means) and presumably expecting me to flip a guinea in their direction on my way out. I don't want a tricky social situation everytime I go to the bog and it's JUST NOT SHEFFIELD. Apparently they've also got them in the Halcyon. Down with this sort of thing!

ass-wipers would be good.

Sounds a bit iffy to me. There are better ways to stop people doing lines - smearing Vaseline for a start!

We went to the November Forum meet at the Classic Rock Bar. The toilets there are close the front door and the street. Strange people were hanging around. Mr. Funke went in and then came back and told me that a junkie looking deadbeat had approached him. The guy said "geeuz a pound" So hubby raised his fist and said "okay, I'll give you a pounding" The guy legged it out and was seen running away down the street. Hubby said it was either me or him and it wasn't going to be me. He's lived in big cities before and knows how to defend himself. He said the guy only wanted money but he couldn't take any chances. After that I got an escort to the toilet. He stood guard while I went in.
Maybe they need bouncers to work in their toilets?

I'm not a fan of these.

They do seem to be cropping up here and there. Not seen many in Sheffield though but when I was in Dublin earlier in the year there was quite a few there.

One guy I saw was handing out towels for people to dry their hands - of course he had a tub for tips! I'd rather dry my hands on my trousers than be involved in this rubbish.

Also, in some places the toilets are extremely small and these people are taking up room. Abolish them I say. :rant: :nono:

when the new Revolution first opened they had these. They had 2 nigerians (one in each) stuck in there all day and paid pittence. We refused to go back as were all upset by it. I'm assume enough people complained as they stopped having them....

Well maybe those poor Nigerians are now kept in the celler, scrubbing the floor with thier bare hands, but where you can't see them - or maybe they were just made redundant eh?

Lots of people have rubbish jobs, but what's that got to do with you?

I HATE toilet attendants. Actually nothing personal against the people employed, just the concept.

I'm 28 years old, I'm perfectly capable of washing my own hands thankyou, I don't need to be pressured into paying someone else to do it for me.

I find that in toilets with such staff, lads including myself actually make a break for the exit without washing hands just to avoid the attendant - and I'm normally obsessive about washing hands after using toilet.

It also makes me laugh when they have such staff in places like Kingdom where the toilets are really grotty - surely they would be better employed cleaning the facilities rather than my hands!

Originally posted by Andy C
I HATE toilet attendants. Actually nothing personal against the people employed, just the concept.


Couldn't agree with you more, it just makes me feel awkward when I go in the toilets, actually I'm not sure I've met one person who likes having them there which begs the question of why they are employed there in the first place.


I find that in toilets with such staff, lads including myself actually make a break for the exit without washing hands just to avoid the attendant - and I'm normally obsessive about washing hands after using toilet.


yup, I do the same myself, as do a lot of other people that I know.

The toilet attendants all started in London, I noticed there being more and more of them when I went out down there and now it seems that they are spreading over the country like the plague.

Originally posted by Tony
Well maybe those poor Nigerians are now kept in the celler, scrubbing the floor with thier bare hands, but where you can't see them - or maybe they were just made redundant eh?

Lots of people have rubbish jobs, but what's that got to do with you?
Well, duh.

People get to vote with their feet or their wallets too.

Same reason I try to not buy clothes stitched together by guatemalan child labour.

dont use the aftershave, or try and take the sweets!

they aint free!

had them years ago at media in notts, 5 yrs ago.

found it very strange, i was taught wat to do once id finished on the loo, maybe some people havent.

Originally posted by Funke88
We went to the November Forum meet at the Classic Rock Bar. The toilets there are close the front door and the street. Strange people were hanging around. Mr. Funke went in and then came back and told me that a junkie looking deadbeat had approached him. The guy said "geeuz a pound" So hubby raised his fist and said "okay, I'll give you a pounding" The guy legged it out and was seen running away down the street. Hubby said it was either me or him and it wasn't going to be me. He's lived in big cities before and knows how to defend himself. He said the guy only wanted money but he couldn't take any chances. After that I got an escort to the toilet. He stood guard while I went in.
Maybe they need bouncers to work in their toilets?

This must have been an isolated incident. We don't have this problem. All pubs have the odd incident. That's life.


Bouncers in the loos? Nah.

Maybe you should employ Mr Funke.... ;-)

I have to say I think Junkies probably isn't a regular problem at the Classic Rock Bar!

at least if someone pukes at 11.30 when the bars rammed someone clears it up immediately!

I think places use this service as they care about the state of their toilets and in that kind of environment they [the toilets] need all the help possible.

I just always flick them a quid the first time I go and then forget about it...it's no big deal.

Different strokes and all that

Originally posted by Tony
Well maybe those poor Nigerians are now kept in the celler, scrubbing the floor with thier bare hands, but where you can't see them - or maybe they were just made redundant eh?

Lots of people have rubbish jobs, but what's that got to do with you?

working all day in the toilet. Not getting a break. forced to work wherever the chain puts them. They speak limited English and so no real job prospects and no prospect of EVER doing another job within the company.

Sounds great.

Originally posted by Andy C
I HATE toilet attendants. Actually nothing personal against the people employed, just the concept.



They dont even shake it off for you!....whats the point?!? :huh:

Originally posted by robbie
working all day in the toilet. Not getting a break. forced to work wherever the chain puts them. They speak limited English and so no real job prospects and no prospect of EVER doing another job within the company.

Sounds great.
Are you serious about the above?

Did Vodka Revolution have a team of specially imported Nigerians that were never allowed out of the toilets and shipped around the country for this special task?

I agree that it wouldn't be a career of choice, but so what?

It's hardly 3rd world child labour

When I used to manage a bar I was approached by very smart business people who have realised that there is a niche for staff to keep toilets clean throughout an evening.

I love the sentiment just because these people are black the bars must be abusing their human rights..get off your high horses!!

If there isn't any puke/blocked toilets/floods then for my money its not a bad idea.

Like Lex said different strokes and all that.

Never had a problem with the Forum bogs before...

http://www.blankmap.co.uk

Originally posted by Funke88
We went to the November Forum meet at the Classic Rock Bar. The toilets there are close the front door and the street. Strange people were hanging around. Mr. Funke went in and then came back and told me that a junkie looking deadbeat had approached him. The guy said "geeuz a pound" So hubby raised his fist and said "okay, I'll give you a pounding" The guy legged it out ..........
I go down the classic rock Fri, Sat and Weds - never had any loo problems personally:)

they have loo attendants in walkabout in doncaster (i tend to go out drinking more there than sheff) & to be honest i'd rather them be there. they have a little table with hair products on & purfume, combs etc & even tho you have to pay for these things i've never payed alot. you dont walk in to a cubicle & there be toilet paper all over the floor or blocking the toilet up & there is always toilet paper in the despenser, it smells nice, the floors & toilets are clean, the lady is always smiling & really nice & chatty. i'd defo them be there to be honest & at the end of the day it is abnother job, another job for someone in sheffield or dancaster so why complain!

I think there's a definite difference between toilet attendents (those who clean the toilets and ensure sanitry conditions), and people selling aftershave/soap/sweets/hair products.

I have no problem with the former, they ensure the toilets are clean and take a small tip for their services. Its something that's moved accross from Europe and seems to work over there.

The latter make me feel uncomfortable, they take up a large proportion of the washbasin area and can sometimes make you feel somewhat intimidated. I'm not sure what the deal is, whether the bars/clubs pay them.. or as I suspect they just let them use the space. Its also quite strange that they are all of African origin.

Originally posted by Tony
Are you serious about the above?

Did Vodka Revolution have a team of specially imported Nigerians that were never allowed out of the toilets and shipped around the country for this special task?

I agree that it wouldn't be a career of choice, but so what?

It's hardly 3rd world child labour

Surely they would have never been granted a work permit for such a job, that is of course had Vodka Revolution applied for one.

The only logical explanation would be that they are dependants of someone.

Lickzz, you crease me up :hihi:

They have them in Spearmint Rhino too. Err so Im told. :)

And Fountain bar had them in the other week.

Originally posted by Andy C


I find that in toilets with such staff, lads including myself actually make a break for the exit without washing hands just to avoid the attendant - and I'm normally obsessive about washing hands after using toilet.



Don't worry too much about that Andy, stage 2 of the process is designed so that the blokes using these bogs don't need to wash their hands afterwards. Have you got my drift yet?

:rolleyes:

Also have them in Varsity on West Street, although it seems a little hit and miss, sometimes they're there, sometimes they're not. Doesn't particularly make much difference to me either way, if I'm feeling generous I'll have a spray of cool water and drop them a bob or two, otherwise I'll just wash my hands, say no thank you, and be about my drinking.

And yes, them being African matters how exactly?

LOL Toilet attendants are cropping up everywhere these days. If you go down south you are likely to find a lot more. I even found one in a toilet in Newquay "Freshen up for dem ponani" were his exact words. They are there generally to make sure the toilets are ok.

Isn't a bit of a cheek from a place to expect you (and they do) to tip the who keeps the toilets a bit cleaner, when you've already paid to get in......as well as the profit they're making from all the drinks we're buying?.

Sometimes I have met people in toilets. To be fair though I was usually on my knees... :D

They were camped out in the gents in the leadmill on saturday night. Jeez...what is happening to that place. Poor sod who was doing didnt seem to be getting much business....everybody was ignoring him....

Has anyone noticed recently that there are people in many of the toilets of popular sheffield bars and clubs offering you towels/soap/perfume/lollys/tampax etc for an extortionate fee? I know forum has had them for a while but on tuesday there was a woman in the leadmill toilets! those toilets are usually minging and there wasn't even a space for her to put her stuff on. It was just balanced on the sink. I don't object to people wanting to make a living but i hate the way they thrust their towels at you and glare at you if you run out without washing your hands (which i have started doing). There is just no need!

Originally posted by Tony
Well maybe those poor Nigerians are now kept in the celler, scrubbing the floor with thier bare hands, but where you can't see them - or maybe they were just made redundant eh?

Lots of people have rubbish jobs, but what's that got to do with you?

Quite a lot if you're paying to enter and use their facilities.

I would like to spring to the defence of the Classic Rock Bar. In the old days when it was the Jolly Buffer. The gents toilets were a no go area, full of druggies. But I have played in a couple of bands there since it has been the CRB, I have played in at least 6 gigs. I have also visited the place regularly since it opened at least once every 3 weeks. And have never come across any thing unsavory in there apart from their hilarious rude cartoon posters.

:cool:

Originally posted by Leigh
Quite a lot if you're paying to enter and use their facilities.
I still don't see why it has anything to do with you or me if people want to work handing out towels in lavatories.

If you don't like it then don't go back.

Originally posted by theimposter
They were camped out in the gents in the leadmill on saturday night. Jeez...what is happening to that place. Poor sod who was doing didnt seem to be getting much business....everybody was ignoring him....

YOU ARE JOKING..... toilet attendants in the Leadmill - is the world going MAD?????

You will have the ludicrious situation where it costs more to use the toilet than buy a vodka and orange!

And if you are paying extra on top of the clubs entry fee to use the toilet you should expect them to be spotless and fully working, not the stinking hole that the Leadmill has!

That said, not many bother washing their hands in the Leadmill anyway, now even less people will, making it a very unhygenic place!

also bear in mind the attendents don't keep the money they take. Its just another way for bars/clubs to make more money out of you.....

Do these toilets have the more usual hand drying gear like a roller towel or air blower? Or is the towel offered by the flunky the only one - that seems to be a straight fiddle if you are expected to pay.

Anyway, lots of blokes don't dry their hands in the bog - that's what the peanut bowl on the bar is for - innit?

Believe or not, the clubs & pubs do not make any money out of toilet attendants - they charge venues for the service!!

The last time I went to the Leadmill, I went in to use the disabled lavatory, and found a couple "having it away" in there!

They had not even bothered to lock the door!

What a jolly jape! (not!!!)

Now, I am no prude, but, god! there's a time and a place for that! (And the disabled loo is not it!)

If the attendants there will put a halt to that, then it can't be all bad!

PT

Originally posted by Plain Talker
there's a time and a place for that! (And the disabled loo is not it!)


But there is more room in the disabled toilet. The normal ones aren't big enough. :heyhey: :hihi:

Originally posted by Andy
But there is more room in the disabled toilet. The normal ones aren't big enough. :heyhey: :hihi:

No you keep catching your elbow on the toilet roll holder and there is hardly any leg room either side of the pan :suspect:

Originally posted by nuf_said
Do these toilets have the more usual hand drying gear like a roller towel or air blower? Or is the towel offered by the flunky the only one - that seems to be a straight fiddle if you are expected to pay.

Anyway, lots of blokes don't dry their hands in the bog - that's what the peanut bowl on the bar is for - innit?

Ah, but the problem is as soon as you use the sink the attendant pounces. The trick is to wait until he is handing someone a paper towel and quickly rinse your hands and leg it before he can turn his attention to you.

Does anybody know why you can't go to the loo in a bar these days without being hassled for money?

Do bar owners genuinly think this is a good idea or are these people there out of intimidation? Are bar owners scared to turn them away in fear of the consequences?

I travel quite a bit and have noticed these people in every town/city I go out in.

The toilet attendants don't get paid... they're there on a self employed basis.
You use some of their product then they want paying, I personally think it's a little crass having them in toilets because it can be a little off putting when you've been to the loo and someones trying to get £££ out of you.

Just don't use the products on offer and tell them to naff off if they get in your face.

It's especially bad at the Walkabout, where you can hardly even squeeze between the table containing all the aftershaves and the wall in order to get to the sinks.

There is also something very dodgy indeed about the whole practice.

I think the main reason why men find this weird and offputting is because going to the loo is not a time for talking to strangers or indeed having a stranger spraying aftershave onto your groin area as you leave which is apparantly "for the ladies" which is what happened to me in the Forum and I didn't like it because then ladies were smelling my groin and my boyfriend didn't think it was very nice and it cost me a pound. The end.

I'm not a big lover of this new practice. I just to go in, do what i have to do and go out, no fuss, no chat.

I put my aftershave etc on BEFORE i go out and don't need a top up.

I object to somebody trying to help me wash my hands (i'm not 3 years old) and then trying to charge me for the privilege.

Personally i find it intrusive.

Adds a whole new dimension to "spending a penny" doesn't it?!:heyhey:

I went t'toilet when I was out and, being the impeckable hygenist I am, went to wash my hands afterwards. As I proceded to the sinks, a very nice gentleman squirted liquid soap into my hands, THATS ALL, and was disgusted when I only gave him a quid. HOW RUDE!!:rant:

Originally posted by Greenback
There is also something very dodgy indeed about the whole practice.

I'd definitely agree with you on that one Greenback.

I just wanted to wash my hands ,old skool style just water and soap ,yet he was hassling me and forced some liquid soap on me parms then after id washed put his arm round me saying i helped you now you helped me......Didnt ****ing ask him to do anything.I just said taa and walked off.

I was told the main reason is to try and keep toliets clean (when peeps are sick) and to stop any drug use

in my experience every venue i've worked at that we 'tried out' toilet attendants they would CLAIM to look after cleanliness etc and CLAIM to monitor drug use but when given the go ahead just turned up and did everything described above, whilst standing in the middle of a massive pile of toilet roll watching someone dealing drugs.

i'm not a fan.

anyway, i now work at Sharkeys and we've made a point of not letting em anywhere near the place...

Originally posted by mikeyj
anyway, i now work at Sharkeys and we've made a point of not letting em anywhere near the place...

Good on you! :thumbsup:

Hopefully others will follow suit.

There is an identical thread to this somewhere ... mentioning the walkabout in particular.

I'm surprised at the people who pay.

If I want a service, I will approach and request it. If a service is forced upon me without asking, then I treat it as a free sample, and pay accordingly.

Thankfully, the spit'n'sawdust establishments I frequent stick to serving beer upon request, and providing a toilet complete with wash basin and hand drier, enough to cover most necessary ablutions

I don't like this concept I find it rather intrusive but have managed to avoid these people's attention on the rare occassions I go out to these type of bar. When I go to the toliet I'll do my business, wash up and leave - I don't want some oik thrusting scent etc upon me and trying to invade my personal space. It's rude, invasive and uncalled for.

God help the first one of them to try and spray me with anything, He'll have a job removing a bottle of Joop from whichever body cavity I choose to ram it.

i, like a lot of other people on here, do not like these guys that are in the mens toilet, i mean sometimes i act really drunk jus so i can avoid em, club/bar owners should know people don like em, main places i usually find to beware... empire, kingdom, leadmill, if people would like to contribute in other places that have 'toilet men' in toilets?? please do!!

Corp......Went in few weeks back and they had one!

What the *****
I've heard it all now. What next, a hand coming out of the wall offering to wipe your ar*e. Luckily, I don't frequent these places.
Does it happen just in the clubs or is it spreading to pubs as well ?