People urged to use pub toilets as new fines for public urination approved
Over 83% of people who responded to consultations backed the new fees
People are to be urged to use the toilet before leaving pubs in York as new fines against public urination and defecation are approved.
Those who are caught answering nature's call outside will now face a fine of £100 when the new rules come into force.
A new protection order covering street urination, defecation, dog fouling and pet control offences was approved on Tuesday (April 22nd).
The decision came following a consultation, which say over 83% of respondents support fines for public urination and defecation.
The plea for fines was introduced last November on behalf of shopkeepers who whose doorways were used to go to the toilet in by those going on nights out.
But 162 out of the 346 people who commented on the street urination and defecation penalties in the consultation said a lack of public toilets were partly to blame.
Respondents said there were few options for people once public toilets in the city close and those in shops, cafés, pubs and other businesses were typically reserved for their customers.
Many of the city’s public toilets are only open during the day and people are charged for using them.
The executive heard the council’s environment spokesperson Coun Jenny Kent was working with businesses to make their toilets available to the public.
Councillors heard it was hoped that the Labour executive member’s efforts would also see toilets opened in late-night venues.
The council’s report also stated the authority had recently invested £65,000 in upgrading toilet facilities.
The executive also heard the council was set to ask pubs, clubs and bars to put up posters reminding people to use their toilets before leaving.
It comes as part of York BID’s Chose Respect, Not Regrets campaign which aims to improve the behaviour of people out in the city in the evening and at night.
Labour Public Protection Executive Member Councillor Michael Pavlovic said the consultation showed there was overwhelming public support for the new penalties.
The executive member added providing more toilets for people particularly later in the day was welcome.
Cllr Pavlovic said: “We understand people are concerned about public toilet facilities but there are very few excuses for urinating in public.”