Bathroom attendant

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A bathroom attendant, or toilet attendant (in places where bathrooms are known as toilets), is a worker stationed in or near a restroom that maintains standards and collects a usage fee (for pay toilets).

[edit] Premium services

The attendant may turn on the tap and provide soap and towels. An assortment of toiletries may be available for sale or free such as perfume/cologne, mouthwash, chewing gum or cigarettes.

In North America, they could previously only be found at extravagant restaurants or bars. More recently they have begun to appear in moderately priced bars.

In Asian countries, they may provide a massage and hot face towel.

It is thought that such services apply implied pressure to offer financial reward for a conceivably limited service, and as such have seen the discussion of social etiquette in such situations. Bathroom attendants may even pressure the bathroom-goer to accept a spray of aftershave in exchange for a tip.

At a moderately priced establishment, a bathroom attendant can make anywhere from $90 to $280 in a matter of five hours (one shift). In a higher priced establishment, an attendant can make upwards of $450 a shift. Most attendants do not make an hourly wage, and are totally reliant upon tips to make an earning, making the wages very conditional upon the amount of patrons entering the bathroom during the course of the shift.

[edit] Bog trolls

This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (January 2008)

In recent years, a number of club and pubs in the UK have begun employing attendants. These are generally seen as unnecessary and unpleasant additions to the establishment, gaining the nickname "Bog Trolls". This term derives from "Bog", British slang for "toilet", and "Troll" because they inhabit the toilet demanding money -- imagine a troll under a bridge -- for a task that the customer would be able to perform for himself.

If one doesn't want to pay the attendant, one must refrain from washing one's hands and accept the inherent hygenic risk.

[edit] References

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