link (http://www.click2houston.com/news/28967657/detail.html)

Store Sets Minimum Purchase For Restroom Use

Posted: Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Updated: 7:07 pm CDT August 24, 2011

Houston -- Customers at a Houston convenience store need to make a minimum purchase in order to use the restroom. A sign posted at the Diamond Shamrock store on Alabama Street near Fannin Street warns people that they have to make at least a $3 purchase to gain access to the bathroom. The manager said the policy was put in place because of the store's high water bills and the number of people who abused the free privilege.

"There were so many people that just abuse, they leave the water open. They make it so bad for us. We don't have no choice to but to say that $3 minimum. It's not really a requirement. It's at least to keep those people abusing or making it inconvenient for other people to use the bathroom," Naveed Ahmed said. The manager said the sign will be up indefinitely. He also said he will never turn away the elderly, children or someone who is sick.

Copyright 2011 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved.

That seems like a lot just to use the restroom.

It's terrible that so many ungrateful bums spoiled it for everyone.

It's terrible that so many ungrateful bums spoiled it for everyone.
It is a shame. On the other hand having worked in gas stations/convenience stores and having had to clean up after some of these "ungrateful bums" I fully understand this store managers desire to set some sort of limits on who actually gets to use the restroom.

I can understand it. If I worked hard to have my own business, I wouldn't like people using my restroom, unless, as this store stated, it was for kids, the elderly or someone who is sick. I wouldn't really want kids using it unless they were sick.

That makes sense. I'm sure the only way to keep it at least somewhat clean is to have rules like that.

Here I sit,broken hearted
Paid 3 dollars to s@*t
But only farted

It is sad to think to discourage slobs, you have to charge. On the other hand I haven't seen a pay toilet in years. I read somewhere it discriminated woman. Men could stand to go and not have to pay and woman had to sit and enter a door so that pay situation left. Decades ago prior to 1970's many restrooms had an attendant. I hated that. Always felt the gal was listening as I doing my business. But they kept the place clean and people seem to respect the restroom.

they better hope Gerard Depardieu doesn't come in there needing to go...

I wonder what happens if you spend $2.99???

I wonder what happens if you spend $2.99???
If I were you I'd tip them at least a penny!! :lol: :crazy:

Given the circumstances, I understand his position. As long as he's letting those with emergencies use the facilities he's being reasonable.

I wonder what happens if you spend $2.99???

Then they won't let you use the restroom

What is emergency? You need to go, you go. You will have to say. Gee I don't feel well, may I use the facilities. A lot of people will say that just to get in. The best idea people could do is Go at home before you shop.

Here I sit,broken hearted
Paid 3 dollars to s@*t
But only farted

Don't even try it. :lol: I heard that one in college about seven years back.

As for as the rule goes, I don't have an issue with it. People can take something and really abuse it. It's like dealing with immature children. :rolleyes: