I agree - you should let the store know that what they offer as a restroom is insufficient. I'm not sure of the laws - and if a store posts that they have no public restroom they can deny the public access to the one the employees use - but it's worth researching.

I rarely go anywhere that I don't know exactly where the restrooms are. And which stores have the cleanest ones (I detest public restrooms but sometimes we just don't have a choice).

Sorry you had such a rough time of it, B2Y.

I also agree... don't let thing slide. You need to push. Cause all the "what if's" you just descibed could really happen!

Push this one to the full, B2U

Don't feel humiliated B2Y!! They should feel humiliated not you!! I've had a public 'accident'! I didn't really feel humiliated, mainly just angry because of the entire situation, ya know?? I agree with everyone else, write a nice complaint letter! At the very least they should send you a gift card! You can even look online for their customer service number. I've gotten some good results with just one phone call .

Thanks, everyone! I did write a letter last night, and will check to see how it sounds in the light of day--you know how that works.

I'm going to start with the small guns.

First, I don't know if there is any law that a place that doesn't serve food is required to have a public restroom. That would certainly shed a different light on things. But if they do, in fact, have a public restroom, I would assume it would be required to be accessible to ALL the public.

I take part of the blame for assuming, and for not following my usual policy of knowing how far away the nearest bathroom is at all times. Ack.

If I don't get satisfaction from the letter to the corporate headquarters, I'll decide if I want to pursue it or not. I want things to be done right, but I don't want to live in a constant state of aggrevation.

While I totally have sympathy for this horrible situation I have to repeat that stores in my state have no legal requirement to provide rest rooms for customers.

I definitely patronize stores that do provide nice clean restrooms but I look at it as a perk not something I am entitled to.

One quick way to find out if they need to have a bathroom is to call the ADA and ask. Then you can decide which way to go. Although, I agree that a simple nice letter may make a difference in the long run.

Here is the ADA number: 800-514-0301 and here is their FAQ website if you prefer to look it up: ADA FAQ

One thing that stood out to me was that you felt humiliated. There really isn't any reason for you to feel humiliated. I'm sure the girl at the top of the stairs was happy to not have to go back to work right away and the other girl sounds sweet - she certainly didn't fault you for being slow, and if she did, who gives a carp! You kept it together and made the trip slowly but surely. Please don't be embarrassed!

Our small town post office had a new ramp and curbs put in but they never painted for easy visibility for over a month - so i finally wrote a short note about accessibility & visibility {tripping hazard} and put it in the drop off box - 2 weeks later it was painted.

I was really surprised that a gov agency was lax on something like that.

Some times a note or call to the local store manager might be all that is needed.

At the very least a sign saying "no public restrooms" or such would have been nice.

I have a nervous tummy/bladder at times so I know how you felt.
I tend to shop at stores with handy restrooms myself.

I also agree - don't let it slide - write letters - any place in MA that hasn't a public restroom has a sign on the door making that known - I haven't found the same to be true in ME and there doesn't seem to be a law providing handicapped access up here - I should be writing letters also -