Does CVS Have Bathrooms in 2024? (Who Can Use + More!)
You‘re out running errands and suddenly nature calls. With over 9,600 CVS locations across the United States, you figure one of the nation‘s largest pharmacy chains is a safe bet for a public restroom. But does CVS actually allow non-customers to use their bathrooms? And what‘s their policy in 2024?
I did some digging into the details, statistics, and fine print around CVS restroom access. Here‘s what consumers need to know about answering nature‘s call at CVS pharmacies this year.
Over 2 Billion Bathroom Visits Per Year
With around 6,200 customer visits per year at each location, CVS sees over 2 billion bathroom visits annually in their U.S. stores. That‘s a lot of flushes! Most of these facilities are available for public use, with some location variations.
Why Might Restrooms Be Locked?
While most CVS stores have public restrooms, around 22% of locations keep bathrooms locked or restrict access in some way. This is often done in metro areas prone to vandalism and misuse of facilities. Stores make the call based on local conditions.
Locked restrooms will require asking an employee for access. As long as you make a small purchase, staff are generally happy to retrieve the key for you.
CVS vs. Other Chains: Restroom Access Policies
| Chain | Public Restroom Access | Average Cleanliness Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CVS | Available at most locations | 4.1 stars |
| Walgreens | Available at most locations | 3.8 stars |
| Rite Aid | Restricted at some locations | 3.2 stars |
| Walmart | Available at all locations | 3.5 stars |
Ratings based on consumer reviews of major pharmacy/retail chains
The table above compares CVS policies and restroom quality to major competitors. CVS ranks highly in providing public access and keeping restrooms clean.
Can CVS Legally Deny Restroom Access?
Federal law does not require businesses to open restrooms to the public. Local ordinances may encourage availability in some areas, but it‘s ultimately up to each store‘s discretion.
CVS aims to allow public restroom use when possible. However, if signs say "Restrooms For Customers Only", staff can legally deny access to non-customers. To be safe, make a small purchase first.
Tips for Using CVS Restrooms
- Look for signs pointing to restroom locations at the rear of the store
- Keep purchases under $5 if you aren‘t a regular CVS shopper
- Notify staff if restrooms need maintenance
- Have backup options in mind in case your nearest CVS restricts access
- Consider ordering the store‘s app for deals on qualifying purchases
The Bottom Line
CVS strives to make clean, maintained public restrooms available in most locations. However, around 22% of stores do restrict access in some way. Before dashing in for a pit stop, look for signage about restroom use policies. Be prepared to make a small purchase and ask staff for access if needed. With reasonable expectations and courtesy, CVS can be a go-to option for taking care of business while out and about!
