Forcing Your Way Into A Public Restroom

[LittleO]

I was just reading an article just now about an elderly lady who wet herself at a McDonald's because an employee would not allow her access to the restroom facilities. Here's my question-let's say a person was in this lady's predicament, having to go super bad and they simply told the employee "f-ck you, I'm going into the restroom" and shoved their way in if necessary. Would there be legal repercussions for this? Would the fact that you were on the verge of having an accident be a legal defense against any charges pertaining to this?

[cassa333]

I don't know but there was talk when I was young that a pregnant woman could knock on anyone's door and demand to go to the toilet and would have to be let in.

Not sure if it was ever true but the rumour did the rounds anyway.

Restaurants don't have public toilets. They have customer toilets. Same for pubs and places like that.

A couple of years ago the city council here were going to shut about 50% of the public toilets and asked the local cafes to allow public use.

If I remember rightly they said no. It costs money (cleaning products and time, loo roll, business water rates and maintenance and upkeep etc) and the area struggles as it is and the added costs of people constantly using the loo without purchase would be unsustainable for some.

[mikey4444]

I presume that you hail from America, LittleO, as we have toilets here in Britain, not "restrooms"

What could this lady be charged with, and why ?

[EDDIE51]

Had she not heard of a McPee with lies ?
That's when you use the McDonald's loo but promise to purchase food afterwards.
If the staff don't say anything it's just a plain McPee.

[woofgang]

My answer to your question is that in the UK and in theory, yes I think there could be legal repercussions (assault) and no I don't think that being on the verge of wetting yourself would be a defence. BUT in this case, old frail lady and young strong McD's employee? I am not sure it would hit court. have you got a link to the article?

[woofgang]

cassa your rumour is the same as the peeing in a policeman's helmet thing and is not true.

[RATTER15]

I doubt this would ever get to court, however if it went to the local papers, then there would be a very big issue for McDonalds, and I would be shouting as well.

[murraymints]

a "need to wee" medical card is sometimes issued ...my MIL had one ..upon producing this card it is supposed to entitle you to use any convenience and/or to skip queue..she used it often although think it is a polite notice rather than statutory right... but agree McDonalds will not come out of this well

[Cloverjo]

Years ago I was buying takeaway food with a friend in a McD type restaurant. My friend needed the loo, and tried to go upstairs to use it. An employee told her she couldn't as they'd been cleaned for the night.

I think she barged her way up anyway. Nothing happened, but I don't think we went there again.

[Jackdaw33]

In the 50s and 60s public conveniences were ubiquitous. I can understand why so many closed as a lot of them became sinks of depravity. If you go to Newcastle today you will not find a single one. Department stores and pubs are the only solution. if I have to avail myself of the facilities of a pub I always buy a half of ale, Same in Paris.

[murraymints]

here in The Lothians public loos still exist and there is competition for the best loo annually..many have floral displays and wee extras like hand cream etc... a collection box for donations is usually well contributed to...the city of Edinburgh is rather different and Dept stores are most used...especially Jenners on Princes Street

[mikey4444]

I am a chap, who is nearly 65, and I seem to need to pee much more than I did when I was younger !

The issue about public toilets has nothing to do with issues of "depravity"....its because they can't afford to send a cleaner along to keep them clean.

[ummmm]

In our town centre pub we always let people use the toilets. Some buy a drink, some don't, I never cared.

[murraymints]

Edinburgh pubs ..in the city centre..are very precious with their facilities...

[ummmm]

Errr Mikey...Some public toilets were very well known for what went on inside them between adults.

[mikey4444]

Ummm....yes, I am very aware of that, but the reason that many have closed down in my area is purely because of costs.

The one here in my village is an absolute disgrace.....its filthy and very smelly, and its like that because it only gets one visit a week, instead of every day. I have complained to the Council but they say that they just don't have the budget anymore to keep them clean.

[naomi24]

Mikey, that's what comes of electing Labour councils, Mikey. Don't have that problem where I live. ;o)

[murraymints]

once when I lived in Edinburgh city.. an elderly man knocked on my door and asked if he could use the loo..of course I did..but several neighbours had not..he was so grateful...

[Jahulaye]

“let's say a person was in this lady's predicament, having to go super bad and they simply told the employee "f-ck you, I'm going into the restroom" and shoved their way in if necessary. Would there be legal repercussions for this? ”

It would be called TRESSPASSING which is a crime or possibly ABH (Actual bodily harm) if an employee was knocked over whilst trying to stop them, possibly GBH/ grevious bodily harm if the Said employ was hit with a bottle/ umbrella etc..

Bottom line is when dying to pee, do not look for soft targets to force yourself on because of your weak bladder but insist on not drinking so much liquids before you are caught short.

“In our town centre pub we always let people use the toilets. Some buy a drink, some don't, I never cared.”

I’m guessing my your excess time here and depth of your posts that you’re in your 60’s to 80’s? Forgive me if I’m wrong but nowadays there are scanner machines, Security and staff not allowing every tom, dick and Harry to help them lose their license because of drug dealer and consumers of drugs overdosing on their premises like back pre war

[Jahulaye]

“once when I lived in Edinburgh city.. an elderly man knocked on my door and asked if he could use the loo..of course I did..but several neighbours had not..he was so grateful...”

Wow,really? Did you know for a fact he wasn’t a murderer, rapist, paedophile on the run from an angry mob or a plant by a burglar crew to case your house before robbing you?

[Jahulaye]

Because he was “elderly” or you fell for his sob story that no neighbors let him in you put yourself, family, kids and home at an uneccesary risk imo.