In recent years, the United Kingdom has faced a significant reduction in the number of public toilets, causing widespread inconvenience for residents and visitors alike. Since 2010, the number of these facilities has decreased by half, from around 12,000 to fewer than 4,000. Although there has been a slight increase since 2018, the current number remains insufficient to meet the needs of the growing and ageing population. This shortage is attributed to local authorities prioritizing legally mandated services such as waste collection and road maintenance over public toilet provision.
The closure of public toilets has led to unintended consequences, such as homeless individuals locking themselves in these facilities for extended periods, thereby rendering them unusable for others. In response to this crisis, some local authorities are partnering with local businesses, including coffee shops, to offer restroom access. However, these partnerships have faced challenges, with schemes often breaking down.
"As soon as they get about 10 to 15 cafes taking part, the council says let's close [the public provision]. What then happens is those [café] toilets are swamped," remarked Raymond Martin of the British Toilet Association (BTA).
While some coffee chains like 200 Degrees allow non-customers to use their restrooms, others, such as Costa Coffee and Pret a Manger, impose restrictions. The situation is compounded by the reversal of Starbucks' open-door policy in the US, prompting a review of restroom access policies in UK coffee shops.
Many High Street coffee shops are not welcoming to those needing restroom access without making a purchase. Alice, a 25-year-old resident, shared her approach to this dilemma.
"If you ask nicely, more people are likely to let you use the toilet," she advised.
However, the cost of a coffee—often around £4—can be prohibitive for individuals simply seeking restroom access. This has sparked debate on whether coffee shops should provide universal toilet access.
"If [venues] have a customer toilet it should be open to all," argued Gemma Wardle.
The BTA estimates that the UK requires approximately 12,000 public toilets to adequately serve its population. The association is actively collaborating with local authorities and businesses to address this pressing issue.
"This is about public decency, public dignity; we can't have people defecating behind hedges," emphasized Raymond Martin.
Local authorities view the provision of public toilets as a potential cost-saving opportunity. Despite efforts to partner with businesses, many schemes encounter setbacks.
"However, councils are acutely aware that gaps in provision have opened despite these efforts, for instance where businesses have closed on our High Streets," said a spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA).
The BTA and LGA continue to explore solutions to improve public toilet accessibility. Will Kenney, representing a coffee chain, expressed the industry's perspective.
"We welcome people to come, but we don't want our coffee shops to become public conveniences," he explained.
Nonetheless, there is consensus that businesses should enhance restroom experiences for all users.
"Shops and cafés should be doing their best to improve the toilet experience for all users, not trying to make it harder," noted Gemma Wardle.