Out Of Service!

Deliberately blocking access to a public restroom.

You travel and you end up stopping at a gas station. When you arrive, you notice the gas station's restroom is out of order or perhaps you will need a key or likely they gonna tell you that there are no public restrooms.

Back in the day, many companies made you pay to use the restroom. There are few pay restrooms in the country. In order to deter people from using the restroom, they block access, turn off lights, put signs on the door, lock the doors and make excuses.

Gas stations, laundromats, restaurants and general retail stores in urban areas are not offering public restrooms or placing theft detection devices near restrooms.

Yeah, I detest vandalism and filthy restrooms, but it won't stop me from using them.

Yes, theft happens. I get it. But it should not be a reason for denying access to public restrooms.

Yes, people use drugs, have sex, eat, sleep and defecate in restrooms. That should not be an excuse to deny public restrooms.

Okay, I visited Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Dayton, Ohio gas stations when I have to use the restroom. Some of these gas stations are in urban neighborhoods. When I enter and see the directions to the restroom, I see out of service.

Now you know that is a frustrating thing to walk in to.

But it is a common problem in Black and Brown neighborhoods. And I am angry about it.

Apparently it is legal for companies to deter customers from using public restrooms.

I see this trend as an example of how culture wars impact the bottom line.

Since some are private businesses, they have the right to make the decision.

But companies like Circle K, 7 Eleven, Speedway, Pilot/Flying J/Mr. Fuel and national brands are obligated to serve the needs of the customer. However, several stores play the game.