By Bob Weaver
Finding a place to use the restroom is becoming a task worthy of an explorer scout.
Now, Grantsville's only supermarket has closed their restrooms. Manager Mike Murphy says he regrets taking the action, but said "The reasons we have had to close are pretty disgusting."
Most businesses do not have a responsibility to provide public restrooms, but many of them have over the years.
WalMart, major chain stores and convenience stores have made public restrooms part of their service to attract customers.
Most small businesses have opted out of the restroom business.
Environmental laws that apply to businesses that are not hooked to a wastewater system have come under stiff new regulations, not the least being an approved septic system.
The businesses located away from Grantsville's municipal sewage system are subject to fees if they operate a public restroom.
If they are non-compliant, they are subject to stiff fines.
Nearly all rural businesses have posted a sign "No Public Restrooms," unable to measure up to the costs and requirements of the regulations.
Most said they regret having to close their restroom.
Grantsville's Foodland is the latest outlet to close their public rest rooms
A couple weeks ago, while shopping in Foodland, I needed to go to the restroom and made my usual trek to the back of the store, to find the rest room locked.
I then found it necessary to park my buggy, drive to the Koffee Kup on Main Street, return to find my buggy and continue shopping.
The next day Senior Center buses were waiting for their seniors to return from Foodland shopping, and we asked the driver what they were to do.
"I guess they'd better make sure they use the restroom before they go shopping," a real challenge for the over-65 crowd.
Manager Murphy and several of the store's employees explained in detail why the restroom was closed. I will spare you with the disgusting details, related to the abuse of the rest rooms.
"Just a handful of customers, I'm sure, have abused the restrooms," said Murphy.
"It's been a hard decision and I really feel bad for our customers."
Murphy acknowledged that nearly all the Foodland stores that are owned by the Facemire family, have closed their restrooms. "Those stores that have food tables must have restrooms," he said.
Public restrooms are available in the courthouse, well-maintained, and accessed by a handicapped ramp at the rear of the courthouse. But that's during business hours.
The Herald has received complaints about the rest room problem, including comments published under We Get Letters.
When we last spoke with manager Murphy, he said he was willing to issue a restroom key at the store's business office, as he continued to be apologetic for the closure.
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