The business next door is doing well but only has two tables outside (without permits) and doesn’t let their customers use their restrooms. Instead, their customers come over and use my benches and restrooms.
We’re not on good terms because of past issues. For example, he once complained to the landlord about where I was installing my AC system, even though I had asked for his approval beforehand, and he was fine with it. Meanwhile, he’s constantly borrowing napkins and bags from me without offering anything in return.
To make it worse, his customers leave a mess because his trash can is tiny, and he doesn’t empty it. Trash ends up on the ground near my door. I don’t want to come off as rude to his customers, but it’s getting frustrating. Any advice?
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If his setup is that bad, he might be breaking health codes. You should look into reporting him to the health inspector. At the same time, put up signs saying, ‘For paying customers only,’ on your benches and restrooms. Make sure your own business is spotless in case the inspector comes by.
Set up some clear boundaries. Put up signs like ‘These benches are for [Your Business Name] customers only,’ and consider locking the bathroom with a code for paying customers. If the problem persists, you could report his non-permitted tables or other violations.
Install a keypad lock on your bathroom door. You could even add a sign that says, ‘Restrooms are for [Your Business Name] customers only. [Neighbor’s Business Name] customers, please use their facilities.’
You’d be surprised how many small food businesses aren’t properly licensed. If they’re not in the system, inspectors might never check on them. You could look them up on your state’s website and report them if they don’t have the proper licenses. I had a similar issue, and the competitor was shut down after I filed a report.
Signs like ‘Restrooms are for customers only’ or ‘Seating reserved for [Your Business Name] patrons’ are pretty common. That said, enforcing these rules is another challenge, especially if your workers have to deal with pushy people.
Who owns the trash cans outside? If you’re renting, talk to the landlord about the mess. The owner of the trash cans should be responsible for cleaning up.
This is costing you money—water, electricity, cleaning supplies, etc. Talk to the landlord about his business practices and have them address it. In the meantime, put up signs saying, ‘Facilities are for [Your Business Name] customers only.’ Be firm about it.
Jess said:
You need a ‘No public restrooms’ sign. People will still ask, though.
Also, be cautious about ADA compliance if you’re in a place like California. Businesses can get sued for non-compliant restrooms, even for small things like the height of the toilet. Big chains can handle this stuff—you don’t want to deal with it.