Is it so awkward to ask if you can use the bathroom in a bar, pizzeria, restaurant when you're not a client?

[Anonymous]

I was exploring a city and I wanted to pee but I felt so embarrassed to ask if I can use the bathroom in a bar. I even walked into the bar, got in line as if I wanted to order 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️, pretended I'm doing something on the phone from nerves and after a while I walked out.. 😬😔

[nolabels]

Use the facilities, asking for permission if required.

Many people find it to be polite to make a token purchase upon exiting the washroom.

Doing so helps business owners to be more amenable to allowing public use of bathrooms.

[Asker]

I didn't have coins on me then.
I've never heard of token, how does it work?

[nolabels]

A token purchase means to buy something inexpensive, such as a pack of gum, just to show your appreciation.
It's not required, but it is appreciated by business owners.
If you have no money, you can still thank the proprietor for their kindness and mention that you'd make a token purchase if you had money, but you're presently out of money. There are no hard, fast rules.

Once you get past the feeling of awkwardness, needing and requesting the use of bathroom facilities is a normal human need.

There are some businesses who have been taken advantage of who may not be very accommodating to all strangers requesting bathroom use. That's their right. I very seldom find that to be the case if approaching a business owner with good manners and appreciation for their hoped-for kindness.

[Sparkie460]

No I never had a problem asking to use the restroom. Sometimes I wouldn't even ask. I'd just walk back and do what I had to do and leave

[Asker]

But you might not see the bathroom right after you walk in and you start to target it with your eyes and you might look suspicious

[Sparkie460]

The bathroom is usually in the back. I'd just give it a try

[zagor]

I don't ask, I just go in to the bathroom, do my business, and walk out. Quietly and if possible through the back door.

[jakesanterden1]

I was witnessed a young girl desperate who did this. They didn’t let her. I felt so bad