Use of Public Restroom

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CuriousInIL

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Is there any moral issue—stealing?–trespassing?–in the use of a “public” restroom in an establishment such as a retail store, restaurant or hotel where the user is not a patron but stops only to use the restroom. Not talking here about an establishment that has explicit signage saying that the restrooms are only for customers but rather the great majority that have no indication one way or another.
 
If on a road trip one of the kids really had to go, and we were on roads without rest stops, I would generally use McDonald’s facilities. But figuring that they’re offering me their rest room as a courtesy, I would return the courtesy by buying some fries and a drink, or maybe an apple pie.

On interstate rest-stops, the facilities are provided under contract as a public service, so I don’t feel the “need” to purchase anything at those.

Stores expect patrons to shop, not necessarily buy. If you’re going to use the facilities that they provide as a courtesy, it seems only courteous to look around at their wares.
 
Timidity said:
If on a road trip one of the kids really had to go, and we were on roads without rest stops, I would generally use McDonald’s facilities. But figuring that they’re offering me their rest room as a courtesy, I would return the courtesy by buying some fries and a drink, or maybe an apple pie.

On interstate rest-stops, the facilities are provided under contract as a public service, so I don’t feel the “need” to purchase anything at those.

Stores expect patrons to shop, not necessarily buy. If you’re going to use the facilities that they provide as a courtesy, it seems only courteous to look around at their wares.
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I understand, the situation at hand that prompted the question is a commuting situation with the restroom gettin gused 2-3 times a week. And, it is most often a hotel, so there is no real potential for browsing.
 
IMHO, there is no such issue. Our society, through our legislatures, city councils, county councils, etc., has passed laws and ordinances requiring certain types of businesses to provide use of these facilities to the public at large, free of charge and free of obligation to buy anything. Such laws are just and have great public value. It is your right to use these facilities. In fact, it is your responsibility to use them, as opposed to the alternative, and you have no responsibility to compensate the business owner.
 
I’m sure that every store owner at one time or another used a restroom at an establishment that they did not support. People stop at gas stations just to use the restrooms. It’s all part of our recognizing that we are human and just as I can get a drink of water from a fountain in a store I should be able to use the restroom. I think that as far as sin is concerned, we have much bigger fish to fry…teachccd 🙂
 
CuriousInIL said:
Is there any moral issue—stealing?–trespassing?–in the use of a “public” restroom in an establishment such as a retail store, restaurant or hotel where the user is not a patron but stops only to use the restroom. .
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of course their is no moral issue. a public place is just that, a public place. if you spend a lot of time obsessing about such questions, please get guidance from a priest on the topic of scrupulosity, because the anxiety caused by such questions can be very harmful to you. There are several threads on the spirituality forum that address this problem and you may find their discussions helpful.
 
I think the reverse would be true.

It would be a sin to deny someone the use of your restroom if they did not purchase an item. You would be taking away another humans dignity. Not very Christian in my opinion.
 
As a salesman who is in his car most of the day, I can tell you that I’ve become quite adept at finding pit stops. If a business is open to the public it has the choice whether it provides a public restroom, with the exception of restaurants which are required to provide such facilities. It’s a cost of doing business for the owner of the establishment. I respect those who put up signs “for patrons only.” The rest I count as a blessing, and I might even do a little browsing if I have time. At a fast food place, I’m likely to grab a soda while I’m there. Bottom line, I’ve never felt the need to go to the confessional closet for using a public water closet. 🙂
 
I may feel a little awkward sometimes but never guilty when I have to use only the restroom of an establishment. I usually try to find places I frequent so that in my mind’s eye I’m just taking that pee break I didn’t do the last time I was there.
 
When Mother Nature calls, there’s no such thing as a busy signal. Go.
But next time you’re in the area and need something that they sell, buy it there. It’s a way of saying “thank you.”

Matthew
 
For those with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) sometimes it is difficult to wait until you get to your destination and you have to use a public facility NOW.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has a card that they issue to their members that says I CAN’T WAIT. the user of this card has a serious medical condition which requires the use of a restroom facility immediately. Thank you for your understanding. CCFA

I’ve been a member for 20 yrs. and haven’t had any trouble and have also heard from other members that they’ve used their card without any complaints.

For further information on this, feel free to IM me.
 
CuriousInIL said:
I understand, the situation at hand that prompted the question is a commuting situation with the restroom gettin gused 2-3 times a week. And, it is most often a hotel, so there is no real potential for browsing.
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Like everyone else, I don’t think it’s a problem. Maybe as a way of saying thanks, you could stay at one of the chain’s hotels on your next vacation.
 
CuriousInIL said:
Is there any moral issue—stealing?–trespassing?–in the use of a “public” restroom in an establishment such as a retail store, restaurant or hotel where the user is not a patron but stops only to use the restroom. Not talking here about an establishment that has explicit signage saying that the restrooms are only for customers but rather the great majority that have no indication one way or another.
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Assume for a moment that you are entitled to use the restroom at McDonald’s each time you stop there to eat. Now, ask yourself: “Have I actually taken advantage of each opportunity in the past, or do I have a “credit” of potty-stops?”

This should help with your scrupulosity. :tiphat:
 
Matt_Collins said:
IMHO, there is no such issue. Our society, through our legislatures, city councils, county councils, etc., has passed laws and ordinances requiring certain types of businesses to provide use of these facilities to the public at large, free of charge and free of obligation to buy anything.
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Are hotels such businesses? Can you provide a cite?
 
CuriousInIL said:
Is there any moral issue—stealing?–trespassing?–in the use of a “public” restroom in an establishment such as a retail store, restaurant or hotel where the user is not a patron but stops only to use the restroom. Not talking here about an establishment that has explicit signage saying that the restrooms are only for customers but rather the great majority that have no indication one way or another.
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I don’t think so, especially if it’s an “emergency”.

Having a bathroom “open” to the public could actually be considered to some extent a form of enticing customers, since you’re more likely to buy something if you find yourself there out of some need than if you didn’t go there in the first place.
 
Thanks to all that have responded. Also, thanks to all that find me scrupulous, but I never thought that there was anything sinful here but I wanted to get opinions because in a discussion, a few others were suggesting that it could be considered (sin-wise not legally) stealing the TP and/or time of the janitorial staff (less need if less use) or trespassing.
 
While traveling in Europe, all restrooms are pay to use…so there is no trespassing…you must pay to use the toliet. Expect a real restroom attendant there to collect, even in McDonald’s!
 
stbruno said:
While traveling in Europe, all restrooms are pay to use…so there is no trespassing…you must pay to use the toliet. Expect a real restroom attendant there to collect, even in McDonald’s!
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European bushes must be well watered and fertilized. 😃
 
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