Charging to use the toilet ...

bobgirlsnake · 09-04-2008, 12:41

ive been to hillsbrough with my partner today and he needed the toilet so we popped in to a cafe and got a coffee (worse coffee we have ever had and over priced) so he could used the toilet, when in the cafe a lady with her child (about 2-3??) came in and the woman charged her 50P to let her little girl use the toilet. i was so shocked by this, how could anyone charge someone to use the toilet especially a child?!?!?

mogwai84 · 09-04-2008, 12:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobgirlsnake

ive been to hillsbrough with my partner today and he needed the toilet so we popped in to a cafe and got a coffee (worse coffee we have ever had and over priced) so he could used the toilet, when in the cafe a lady with her child (about 2-3??) came in and the woman charged her 50P to let her little girl use the toilet. i was so shocked by this, how could anyone charge someone to use the toilet especially a child?!?!?

because it costs businesses to provide a toilet!?

Venables · 09-04-2008, 12:43

I know, its ridiculous. I just find a tree!

hillsbro · 09-04-2008, 12:48

If our local council (who seem able to find money for all kinds of dubious schemes) had not closed practically all the public toilets in the city to save money, this situation need not have arisen.

tinkabel · 09-04-2008, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillsbro

If our local council (who seem able to find money for all kinds of dubious schemes) had not closed practically all the public toilets in the city to save money, this situation need not have arisen.

i would rather pay 50p than use a public toilet!

fox20thc · 09-04-2008, 13:34

There is a free public toilet with disabled access and babychange facilities in the transport interchange office (near the bus station), alternatively there are well maintained facilities for free in the Hillsborough Park pavilion and facilities in Morrisons - All dependant on which end of the borough you are.

Jalucys and Rubys Cafe also have facilities as you were buying a drink I'm sure they would have been happy for you to use them gratis.

edit: I'm guessing it was the Shoppers Rest cafe in the Precinct you were in.

Heyesey · 09-04-2008, 13:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinkabel

i would rather pay 50p than use a public toilet!

Think back to the days when they had attendants, were kept clean, and weren't filled with junkies, drunks, vagrants and other unsavoury characters. Granted, nowadays a lot of public loos are an open invite to go and find a hedge.

gazelle · 09-04-2008, 13:42

Its the same at co-op in hillsborough. The toilets used to be next to the post office in there and ou could use them for nil....then they moved thm into the cafe and make you pay....I had to buy a drink when my lad wanted a wee he was only 3 at the time

Money grabbing gits, thats what they are

Heyesey · 09-04-2008, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by gazelle

Money grabbing gits, thats what they are

Do you have some valid argument why businesses should provide you with a service at a cost to themselves, but not charge for it?

boutiquechoc · 09-04-2008, 13:47

I don't agree with it. Railtrack do it in Piccadilly train station.....

gazelle · 09-04-2008, 13:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heyesey

Do you have some valid argument why businesses should provide you with a service at a cost to themselves, but not charge for it?

No, but when we are talking about kids I think they should make an exception

Dozy · 09-04-2008, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heyesey

Do you have some valid argument why businesses should provide you with a service at a cost to themselves, but not charge for it?

I quite agree, and I'd far rather pay for a drink I didn't really want - or 50p to use a decent loo - than subject myself to most public toilets.

By the way, I like your signature - even if I did have to strain my eyes to read your comment!

Dozy · 09-04-2008, 13:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by gazelle

No, but when we are talking about kids I think they should make an exception

But why? Surely if people have children they are aware of their toileting needs and plan their shopping trips accordingly?

sharonxxxx · 09-04-2008, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobgirlsnake

ive been to hillsbrough with my partner today and he needed the toilet so we popped in to a cafe and got a coffee (worse coffee we have ever had and over priced) so he could used the toilet, when in the cafe a lady with her child (about 2-3??) came in and the woman charged her 50P to let her little girl use the toilet. i was so shocked by this, how could anyone charge someone to use the toilet especially a child?

in amsterdam even the macdonalds franchises charge you to use the toilet even if youve had a meal there

poppins · 09-04-2008, 14:05

I've never been in a shop that dosen't have a toilet, they just don't make it easy for you to get to, it's usually in the very far end, but they have to supply one for staff and customers. but there always free.

hillsbro · 09-04-2008, 14:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinkabel

i would rather pay 50p than use a public toilet!

Any port in a storm... The fact is that we pay a fortune in council tax and the council still can't provide toilets.

HarmOKnee · 09-04-2008, 14:51

Businesses only legally have to provide a toilet if they serve food/drink. So the toilets are only really meant for customers who are buying food & drink. I can understand them not letting anyone else use them unless they pay, otherwise their toilets would probably end up being public conveniences. However, I think they should make an excpetion for young kids.

SaxonLeigh · 09-04-2008, 15:08

its the same in poland, you have to pay to use the loo but they are always spotless & have loo roll. i do think that children shouldnt have to pay. a pregnant woman can not be refused to use the loo, it should be the same for children.

Daven · 09-04-2008, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dozy

But why? Surely if people have children they are aware of their toileting needs and plan their shopping trips accordingly?

Oh dear ! Here we go again ! Have you read the 'Toddlers peeing in the gutter - illegal' thread on the General Discussions forum?

Dozy · 09-04-2008, 15:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daven

Oh dear ! Here we go again ! Have you read the 'Toddlers peeing in the gutter - illegal' thread on the General Discussions forum?

I've read part of the thread. And I do understand that children are more likely to be in urgent need of a visit to the loo than most adults, but I still don't see why they should get to pee for free, if adults are charged for the privilege.