Denied Access

Have you been denied access to a restroom in a public setting?

Here are our recommendations.

1. Check to see if you live in a state that is subject to the Restroom Access Act also known as Ally’s Law.  You’ll find the list of states and recommendations for next steps at this link.
2. If you are in a state not subject to Ally’s Law, see below.

While the ARA cannot respond to all reports of restroom denials, the Board of Directors wants you to know we are sorry about the situation you experienced. Unfortunately, the rules regarding public restrooms are very fragmented.

Here are next steps to pursue:   

• Contact the county or city building inspector and ask which plumbing code applies to the building in question. The International Plumbing Code, Section 403.3, requires structures and tenant spaces used by the public to be provided with toilet facilities for customers, employees, patrons and visitors.  The Uniform Plumbing Code, Section 422.4, requires toilet facilities for customers and employees.
• Contact the pertinent legislators in the area. Let them know about the situation you experienced and share with them the information about Ally’s Law. Encourage them to help drive its adoption in your state.
• Reach out to local news outlets.
• And if called for, retain legal support who can counsel you on potential remedies. 

Please know that the ARA will continue to work at the highest levels of government to address the lack of better public restrooms and needed legislation of what is unfortunately just simple, common human decency.