The Community Toilet Scheme is a not-for-profit partnership of businesses in the UK that open their doors to give the public access to their washrooms whether they're paying customers or not.
This is an issue close to my heart; knowing someone that maps out travel itineraries based on access to public toilets. No one should have to plan vacations or errand running because there just aren't enough toilets around, and while it seems like a funny subject, it's serious business; especially for people who are undergoing the aging process and may no longer have the control they once did.
The Community Toilet Scheme is growing in popularity throughout England, with it's subscriber based increasing more and more since its inception in the summer of 2005. It truly is a well-rounded business; participating companies display stickers indicating that they're participating in the scheme which let people know there's toilets available to men, women, people who require wheelchair access, and those that need to change their babies. Maps are also available, and cities have even put up signs to point the desperate towards available toilets.
You'd have to think that even though people seeking a toilet aren't obligated from the participating pubs, stores and restaurants, these businesses aren't just doing a good deed. They're also creating opportunity to draw a profit by getting potential customers through their doors that might not otherwise enter if it weren't for the toilet thing.
At least finally someone has addressed a serious matter by acknowledging that when you've gotta go, you've gotta go.
Beth Hodgson
Innovative Businesses Writer
InventorSpot.com
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This won't work
Submitted on January 2nd, 2009 by AnonymousI believe they tried something very similar in Seattle earlier recently and the toilets became hotspots for drug use and prostitution liasons. I can't see how this will be any different.
Thank you for your
Submitted on January 3rd, 2009 by Beth HodgsonThank you for your comment..it is always possible, but it began in 2005 and operations are only growing, so there has been some success
Beth Hodgson
Innovative Business Writer