Coffee shop owner bans non-paying patrons from loos

A FED-UP Royal Mile coffee shop owner today said he was ground down by tourists using his loos for free.

Graham Kenny, owner of Has Beans and a former Roxburghe Hotel and Cafe Royal head chef, said he has allowed non-paying customers to use his facilities for nearly a decade, but has changed his mind as a result of council plans.

Half of Edinburgh's public conveniences will close in order to save 413,000 in 2012-13.

A map of public toilets will be created and businesses will be asked if they are willing to open up their loos to the public in return for a place on the map.

Mr Kenny said: "Over the years I've accommodated tourists with what was once known as good Scottish hospitality. They've gone home to Japan, the States or wherever and bragged that they've peed on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

"I'm afraid my attitude will change from now on. If the council won't provide the most basic services and rely on traders to, then I want paying customers, not peeing customers."

Mr Kenny said his toilets have been vandalised on many occasions and warned businesses tempted to join the scheme to be wary of the risks.

He added: "I have never knocked back anybody, but I'm strongly rethinking that policy.

"I have a business to look after and I can't be dealing with an entourage of people needing the loo."

Other traders on the High Street have backed his stance.

An Evening News survey of nearly every pub, restaurant and cafe on the Royal Mile revealed almost all already reserve their loos for customers only, with many ruling out joining the future council scheme.

Audrey Ollason, manager of the Ensign Ewart pub, said: "For us, it's a definite no-no. We anticipated this coming up from the council so we have fitted a keypad entry system on the toilet, for which customers can get the code when they come to buy a drink at the bar.

"Even if there was some sort of incentive it wouldn't be enough. For the council to suggest this is ridiculous."

Lachlan Lamond, of the Royal Mile Tavern, added: "If people come and ask politely we always try to be accommodating, but we wouldn't want to be inundated with people."

Altogether, The Royal McGregor, The Wee Windaes, Monteith's Bar and Restaurant, Royal Mile Backpackers, Deacon's House Cafe, The Hub Cafe and Restaurant, Gordon's Trattoria, and Whiski Bar and Restaurant were among those who said they currently restrict access to their public toilets. Some have already ruled out joining the scheme.

A council spokeswoman said: "We wouldn't approach businesses in this way and are looking forward to working with interested local businesses for our mutual benefit."