Cafes can charge for toilets, even for customers, Flanders says

Horeca owners in Flanders have the final say on whether to charge for toilet access, and how much to charge. This policy applies even to paying customers.

Matthias De Caluwe, spokesperson for Horeca Flanders, confirmed that establishments are entirely free to set their own toilet policies. "They decide whether to charge money, how much to charge, and whether to allow people who are not customers," he stated.

The price for using a toilet can vary significantly, from 50 cents to 1.20 euros. De Caluwe explained that this difference often depends on the size of the business and the costs associated with maintaining the facilities. "If you have someone permanently cleaning the toilets, you will likely charge more than if you clean them yourself between customers," he noted.

Even customers who have dined at a restaurant may be asked to pay. Radio 2 listener Tom Meuris reported being charged 50 cents per toilet visit at Lunch Garden after a family meal. De Caluwe clarified that this is permissible, as establishments can choose to charge customers as well. Lunch Garden, for instance, charges in 32 of its 40 locations, particularly those in shopping centers where non-customers might use their facilities. Customers receive a Lunch Garden voucher in exchange for the toilet fee.

Generally, establishments where food and drinks are consumed on-site are required to provide a customer toilet. However, this obligation does not typically extend to takeaway-only businesses, such as small coffee bars.