MSE Forum poll: When going into a coffee shop etc just to use the loo, do you buy something?

MSE_JC
MSE_JC Posts: 183 Community Admin
100 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
edited 1 May at 11:36AM in Community Noticeboard
At one point or another many of us have been caught short while out and about, so it can be a relief to find a nearby pub or café with a toilet. While there are occasionally establishments that stipulate their lavatory is for 'paying customers only', many often don't.

Do you feel obliged to make a purchase, or just use the loo and leave?
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MSE Forum poll: When going into a coffee shop etc just to use the loo, do you buy something? 14 votes

I always buy something
21% 3 votes
I'll try to buy something if I have the time / am able
35% 5 votes
I'll buy something but only if it's a local / independent business
21% 3 votes
I don't buy anything but ask permission
0% 0 votes
I don't buy or ask permission, I just go in and use the loo
7% 1 vote
I don't use coffee shop / pub toilets for this very reason
14% 2 votes

Comments

  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 35,498 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 1 May at 1:09PM
    If it’s McDonald’s, I really don’t care. (Other mega chains are also available) 
    I would never go into an independent  one without buying something. 
    And to be honest with those big chains whether it’s Mackie D  or Wetherspoons, the staff don’t care. 
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • mjm3346
    mjm3346 Posts: 47,180 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Why isn't this an option without it needing it to be for the reason given for not using them
     "I don't use coffee shop / pub toilets"
  • 35har1old
    35har1old Posts: 1,735 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    MSE_JC said:
    At one point or another many of us have been caught short while out and about, so it can be a relief to find a nearby pub or café with a toilet. While there are occasionally establishments that stipulate their lavatory is for 'paying customers only', many often don't.

    Do you feel obliged to make a purchase, or just use the loo and leave?
    Some require a code 
  • MSE_JC
    MSE_JC Posts: 183 Community Admin
    100 Posts Third Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 2 May at 2:34PM
    Hi, @mjm3346 and @35har1old

    Thanks for the feedback. We wanted the poll to give a bit of insight into what people tend to do in the situation given the choice. Those who simply don't use pub / coffee shop toilets at all (for other reasons) won't find themselves in the situation. Where establishments only provide a required door code following a purchase, the individual doesn't have a choice. Hope that clears things up!

    All the best,

    MSE JC
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