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NYC Restaurant Owner Sparks Debate with 'No Restroom' Policy

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. owner-sparks-debate-with-no-restroom-policy.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 7:55 GMT by CNN
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 12th, 2026 - A controversial new policy implemented by Zohran Mamdani, owner of popular New York City restaurants Miss Ada and Dhamaka, is fueling a heated debate about access to public restrooms and the responsibilities of local businesses. Mamdani's decision to prohibit non-customers from using his restaurants' restrooms has sparked outrage and support in equal measure, highlighting a growing crisis in the availability of public facilities within the city.

The policy, bluntly stated on signs posted at both establishments - "We don't allow anyone to use our restrooms" - went into effect this Thursday. Mamdani explained his rationale in an interview with CNN, citing escalating issues with restroom misuse, vandalism, and the substantial financial burden of constant cleaning. "We've had to do this because we are getting abused. Our restrooms are getting trashed. We're spending a fortune on cleaning," he stated. He further elaborated that the facilities were being treated as a public restroom by individuals who were not patrons of the restaurant, simply entering to use the restrooms and then departing without making a purchase.

Beyond the financial implications, Mamdani also voiced concerns regarding safety and disruption. "We've had issues with people loitering and being disruptive," he said, suggesting that the open access had created an environment detrimental to both his staff and paying customers. This concern extends beyond just inconvenience; reports from other restaurant owners indicate instances of aggressive behavior and even drug use in unrestricted restrooms.

The announcement quickly went viral on social media, igniting a firestorm of debate. While some users expressed understanding for Mamdani's position, the overwhelming response was critical, accusing him of exacerbating the existing problem of limited public restroom access and contributing to the gentrification of the city. Critics argue that businesses should not be expected to fill the void left by inadequate municipal services.

"The city needs to do a better job of providing public restrooms, and businesses shouldn't have to bear the burden," one Twitter user commented, a sentiment echoed by many. This frustration stems from a decades-long decline in the number of public restrooms available in New York City. Once commonplace in parks, transit hubs, and commercial districts, these facilities have steadily disappeared due to budget cuts, maintenance issues, and concerns about safety and hygiene. The result is a severe lack of options for tourists, the unhoused population, individuals with medical conditions, and anyone simply caught short while out and about.

Mamdani acknowledges the validity of these complaints. "I sympathize with that, and ideally, the city would provide more public restrooms," he conceded. However, he maintains that until the city addresses the issue, he must prioritize the well-being of his staff and the viability of his business. This highlights a core tension: the expectation that businesses should be community resources versus the reality of operating a profitable enterprise in a challenging environment.

City Council Member Shaun Abreu has publicly criticized the policy, describing it as "a sad reflection of a larger problem." He argues that businesses should not be forced into this position and that the city government must step up to provide adequate facilities for all residents and visitors. Abreu's office has stated they are actively exploring legislative solutions, including increased funding for public restroom maintenance and the installation of new, accessible facilities in high-traffic areas.

This situation isn't unique to Miss Ada and Dhamaka. Numerous restaurant and cafe owners across the city have reported similar issues, quietly implementing stricter bathroom policies or limiting access to key codes. While many are hesitant to go public with their frustrations for fear of negative backlash, Mamdani's outspokenness has opened a crucial conversation. Some advocacy groups are now calling for a city-wide task force to assess the current state of public restroom access and develop a comprehensive plan for improvement.

Mamdani has indicated a willingness to collaborate with city officials to find a resolution, but for now, his "no restroom" policy remains in effect. The debate serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for investment in public infrastructure and a renewed focus on addressing the basic needs of all New Yorkers and those who visit the city.