The Golden Lion, located on Moor Street in Ormskirk, recently displayed a chalkboard outside the establishment, politely requesting non-diners to use public toilets elsewhere. The sign, adorned with a smiley face, read: “We are not a public toilet. Nearest is bus station or M&S carpark.”
After the sign was anonymously shared on social media, people swiftly began to voice their opinions. One person described it as “snotty,” while another felt it was an unwelcoming gesture towards visitors. In response, the pub issued a statement, explaining the challenges they have faced with the state of their toilets.
The statement from The Golden Lion expressed regret over any offence caused by the sign. However, it highlighted the significant number of individuals who enter the pub solely to use the toilet, leaving it in a deplorable condition.
The pub attempted to address the issue by allowing toilet access in exchange for a charitable donation, but this approach proved ineffective.
The statement from The Golden Lion said: “We are sorry that you are all offended by our sign but sadly you do not see the amount of people that come in each day to use our toilet and leave it an absolute mess. Many of you have commented on the standard of our toilets and people coming in who aren’t customers are often leaving the toilet in worst states unfortunately.
“We did try asking people for a charity donation to use the toilet however nobody adhered to this and it is getting progressively harder to manage with around 20 people a day coming in to use it. We try to be as accommodating as we can and of course we let parents bring their children in should they need the toilet and people who otherwise not be able to wait but most of these people ask politely when they come in which we appreciate, unlike others.
“Again we’re sorry that many of you are upset by this and we hope the anonymous poster along with anybody else can message us should there be any further concerns, we really are a friendly bunch and do take on board your opinions despite what you may think about our sign.”
The pub emphasised their willingness to listen to feedback, despite any preconceived notions about their sign.
Following the pub’s statement, some members of the public dubbed it “The Golden Karen,” while others came to the owners’ defence, saying that they “don’t have to explain” their decision to display the sign.
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