Public toilets or public "WC" (Slovak: verejné WC) in Bratislava are managed by the local government, which pays for the water. Bratislava is known for having a very limited number of public restrooms and their appearance has changed little since the fall of communism. Unlike restrooms in modern shopping malls, gas stations, restaurants, pubs, etc., traditional public toilets are still operated by a washroom attendant. As a rule of thumb, public toilets in Bratislava are paid.
Contents
- History
- Partial list of public toilets in Bratislava
- Public toilets in mass transport systems in Bratislava
- References
As of 2011, urinating or defecating in public in Slovakia is punishable by a fine of €33. The mistrust of public toilets, including at night when they are lit, is such that many prefer the toilets in fast food restaurants. Many restaurants and pubs lock their toilets and issue keys only upon demand by their customers. In spite of queues reminiscent of the days of socialism, there are no plans to build additional public restrooms in Bratislava. The tourist industry is not happy with the situation and according to Bratislava city guides and representatives of the travel agencies the lack of public toilets in the city is one of the hurdles in tourism development in the city.
History
Under communism, the tradition of public toilets formed, which influences the city to this day. Public toilets were separated by sex, entrances being guarded by notoriously ill-tempered restroom ladies (Slovak: hajzelbaba). The client would disclose whether he needed to urinate or defecate, and he would be charged accordingly, the latter costing more. Finally, the client was issued his limited share of toilet paper, sometimes with an embarrassing negotiation regarding the need for more.
The following public toilets were cancelled in the past in Bratislava: Suché mýto, Hurbanovo Námestie and metal toilets on Vajanského Nábrežie (cancelled decades ago). In 2011, the Borough of Old Town decided to close half of its public toilets, claiming to use the money saved in this way for maintaining green areas and cleaning. Referring to a survey done during the week of 22 February to 27 February 2011, Tomáš Halán, spokesperson of the Old Town borough, stated that there was a case in the survey in which "one visitor cost 22 euro".
Partial list of public toilets in Bratislava
The following is a partial list of public toilets in Bratislava.