You’ve probably visited a public restroom where access was tied to a purchase or required an entry fee. But what are the different access control options available for public restrooms—and what are the pros and cons of each? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article.
The Classic Approach: The Restroom Attendant
Just as office buildings often rely on a receptionist or security guard to manage access control, public restrooms have traditionally employed a restroom attendant—commonly referred to as the “toilet lady” in colloquial terms. Her responsibilities typically include collecting fees for restroom use or verifying whether someone is eligible to enter (for instance, by showing a receipt for a recent purchase). In addition to controlling access, her presence helps ensure the facilities remain in proper condition. This role often includes checking and cleaning the restrooms regularly to maintain hygiene and usability.
One major benefit of this system is that having a staff member physically present provides constant oversight. It serves as a deterrent to vandalism and misuse. Moreover, it helps ensure the restrooms are consistently clean and well-maintained. The attendant can frequently check on the condition of the facilities—refilling paper towels and toilet paper when needed, and wiping down floors, sinks, mirrors, and toilet seats at regular intervals.
Beyond the potential for human error or misuse, one of the key drawbacks of this approach is that it requires full-time staffing. The attendant is not only responsible for cleaning duties but also for managing access control—effectively combining two separate roles into one. In restrooms with lower traffic, this model may not be cost-effective. Even in high-traffic areas, it may be more efficient if the staff responsible for cleanliness focuses exclusively on cleaning, maintenance, or managing supplies—across a larger area. However, this is only feasible if they’re not burdened with access control tasks as well.
PIN Code or Barcode-Based Door Lock
This solution is commonly found in fast food restaurants, where restroom use is tied to a purchase. In such cases, a receipt is printed with either a PIN code or a barcode, and access to the restroom is granted by entering the code or scanning the barcode at the door.
The clear advantage of this system is that no constant staff presence is required to check access authorization. Cleaning personnel can maintain the restrooms according to a set schedule, without needing to be on-site at all times.
Its downside is that it usually doesn’t support separate restroom fees—meaning non-customers can't easily pay for access. It can also be bypassed: a non-paying individual might simply ask a customer to open the door for them, or wait until someone exits and sneak in behind them.
Coin-Operated Door Lock
This type is most commonly found in public street restrooms. It works similarly to the previous solution, but instead of a code or receipt, users insert a coin to unlock the door.
The advantage is the same: there’s no need for constant staff presence—only scheduled cleaning is required.
The downside is that there’s no way to provide access through alternative authorization methods (e.g. by code for customers) unless someone has a physical key. Like the previous solution, it can also be bypassed by asking someone exiting the restroom to hold the door open or let someone in.
Specialized Tripod Turnstiles
Another possible solution is installing an automated access gate in front of the restroom. You may have seen this setup in shopping malls or at gas stations. The Tripod Turnstile allows entry only after the visitor has verified their access rights to the restroom. This can be done in several ways: by scanning a barcode printed on a receipt, inserting a coin, paying by bank card, or swiping an employee access card.
The advantages:
- There is no need for constant on-site supervision, and multiple access methods and authorization levels can be configured. Previous users cannot grant entry to others—each person must verify their access individually.
- A wide range of payment and identification options can be used (cash payments with change, bank card, coupon, mobile app code, receipt, etc.).
- The system is fully manageable and remotely monitorable. In the case of multiple restroom locations, all can be monitored from a single interface.
- Abuse and misuse can be prevented, and staff can be monitored. This allows for revenue to be accurately tracked. Based on our experience, revenue tends to increase significantly after implementing such a system due to the added level of control.
The drawback is that this solution is not suitable for every public restroom. It requires proper spatial layout, and in certain cases, the operational costs may not justify the investment.
Let’s talk—especially if you operate a public restroom, or if your restaurant or retail facility’s restroom is frequently used by non-customers. Our consultation is free of charge, and by the end of the discussion, we’ll provide you with detailed information about installation options—backed by over twenty years of development experience.
Feel free to contact us through any of our channels.
