When You Gotta Go, and They Tell You, "No."

But, just today, I found out that such behaviour, on the part of merchants and shopkeepers, is illegal in most states in the country. Rest rooms in public places should be clean, safe, in working order, and accessible, in most states.  No one requesting use of the bathroom should be turned away.

I came across a rather unique organization, the American Restroom Association, which is "FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHT TO USE A RESTROOM."

On their site, I learned that:

"Business and mercantile establishments occasionally indicate they have no customer toilet facilities. Most likely the store managers, owners and even some local code officials are not aware that this policy is at variance with their municipalities building code. Almost all States adopt comprehensive consensus code that contains well-vetted language, which requires toilets facilities for customers, patrons and visitors. This code is then enacted Statewide or where not mandated is often adopted voluntarily at the municipal level.

With a few exceptions States have adopted either the International Plumbing Code (IPC), the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC).

Building restroom access at non-food business establishments is covered by state building code in just about every state in the country.Typically this code requires that all buildings have restrooms, and that all building occupants be allowed to use the restroom. When a person enters a business establishment, assuming they were not immediately asked to leave, they are an occupant. Restrooms that are locked are allowed under Code, as long as requests to use the toilet facilities are honored.

While the Code is generally adopted at the state level, building codes are most often enforced at the local level. Violation is often a misdemeanor. Consumer complaints usually result in an inspection of the facility. Violations found may lead to warnings, fines or the closing of the business until the violation is resolved."

Just to make sure ( ! ), I contacted someone in my state's legislature, and was informed:

Hi, Hope:

The Code of Virginia, in Chapter 6 of Title 36 (Uniform Statewide Building Code) incorporates, by reference, the regulations adopted by the International Plumbing Code.

BTW everyone, for your reference, the applicable sections of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), are:

403.6 Customer facilities. Customers, patrons and visitors shall be provided with public toilet facilities in structures and tenant spaces intended for public utilization. Public toilet facilities shall be located not more than one story above or below the space required to be provided with public toilet facilities and the path of travel to such facilities shall not exceed a distance of 500 feet (152 m).

403.6.1 Covered malls. In covered mall buildings, the path of travel to required toilet facilities shall not exceed a distance of 300 feet (91,440 mm). The required facilities shall be based on total square footage, and facilities shall be installed in each individual store or in a central toilet area located in accordance with this section. The maximum travel distance to the central toilet facilities in covered mall buildings shall be measured from the main entrance of any store or tenant space.