Should cafes and restaurants allow passers-by to use the toilet

A common situation: itching, and there is no public toilet nearby. There are few alternatives - the arch of a neighboring house or the nearest cafe. The first is uncivilized and fraught with problems. The offender can be prosecuted for petty hooliganism, and in some regions at the local level laws have been passed that allow for the fine of unrestrained citizens.

However, in catering establishments they are often greeted with a sign that says “Toilet for visitors only”. And this looks outrageous: shouldn't they help all those in need? Let's figure out the question.

Who should be allowed to use the toilet in cafes and restaurants

Let's start with the fact that in catering establishments, toilet rooms with sinks for washing hands must be, as the sanitary rules prescribe. At the same time, if there are more than 25 seats in the catering, the restrooms for staff and clients should be separate.

Visitors to cafes and restaurants can freely use the toilet facilities. But there are no regulations that would oblige everyone to go there. That is, the administration may not let a person off the street into the lavatory. From the point of view of the law, everything is clean here.

However, there is a small nuance - who should be considered a visitor. According to the law on the protection of consumer rights, this is a citizen who has used the services of an institution or only intends to do so. Accordingly, not only the person who can demonstrate the check should be allowed into the restroom. Those who plan to place an order later, with clean hands and an empty bladder, also have the right to do so.

On the other hand, there is nothing stopping a person from saying that they will first use the restroom and then order without buying anything. And here it is worth remembering not only about the laws, but also about the human factor. In many establishments, you will be happily taken to the toilet. One has only to ask politely, and not download the right from the doorway.

You are not obliged to let any visitor to the toilet in the cafe. But they can - if you remain polite and adequate.

Can i charge a fee for using the toilet?

From visitors - no. Dressing rooms, coat hangers are included in the list of minimum requirements for catering establishments, with the exception of buffets, cafeterias and food stores. Visitors spend enough time in the establishment for the need to go to the restroom arose. If the administration takes money for this service, then it violates the rights of citizens.

This is the opinion of Rospotrebnadzor, referring to the law on consumer protection. If you come to a cafe, and they ask you for money for visiting the restroom, you should complain to this federal service.

What to remember

The cafe does not have to let you “just go to the toilet”.
If you bought something or are planning to use the restroom free of charge. And she should be in a catering establishment.
Even if you are not required to be allowed to use the toilet, this is not a reason not to ask for a favor. If you are polite, the staff is more likely to be accommodating for reasons of hospitality and customer focus.