A netizen has taken to Reddit to reveal how a very famous Bengaluru mall has mandated a Rs. 1,000 bill for customers to use its ‘VIP’ restrooms.
What is the policy? How are people reacting to it? Here’s every detail.
What Is The VIP Restroom Policy?
A Reddit user, with the account name DeskKey9633, posted about how a popular mall in Bengaluru, the Phoenix Whitefield shopping mall, has started something called ‘VIP’ restrooms wherein the customers have to produce a bill where items worth 1,000 bucks are purchased from the mall, to avail the special washrooms.
The person was denied entry to the washroom on the ground floor because they did not have a bill. “I had an infuriating experience this weekend at Phoenix Whitefield that I feel needs some attention. I had travelled from Church Street specifically to shop there (which is quite a distance to travel), and before diving into my shopping, I needed to use the restroom,” wrote the user.
Adding on, the user said, “Here’s where it gets frustrating: the ground floor restroom is now designated as a “VIP” restroom, guarded by a female security officer. She insisted that I show a shopping bill (later I found out from someone i shared this experience with that even if i have a bill, it must amount to a minimum of ₹ 1000) to use this restroom. I was shocked and confused-why should I need a bill to use a restroom?”
Discriminatory Bathroom Policy at Phoenix Whitefield – An Unacceptable Experience
byu/DeskKey9633 inbangalore
The person also talked about getting redirected to washrooms on other floors, which were messy. “Those restrooms were in terrible condition. With so many people being redirected, the toilets were poorly maintained and many flushes weren’t working,” said the post.
The Redditor expressed their disbelief and anger at such a policy, especially concerned that having to search for proper toilets could be overwhelming in case of emergencies. “Even if a VIP restroom is a thing, it doesn’t justify neglecting other facilities. I’ve never encountered such a policy in any other mall in Bangalore or in any other city, and if this is a new trend, it’s deeply troubling and contributes to an unnecessary social divide,” wrote the person.
Those who have reacted to the post, claim that most of the Phoenix malls charge customers to use their so-called VIP washrooms.
Read More: Water Mafia Is Allegedly Exploiting The Bengaluru Water Crisis, Says Investigation
How Did Other Netizens React To This?
The post garnered several upvotes and comments soon after it was posted. Most of the netizens had been in a similar situation at the Phoenix Whitefield Mall, where the incident took place.
“This is so true. There is a lady security guard who stops people from entering and asks the people to pay and get some kind of pass. Is that a golden toilet washroom or what? To keep it hidden from ordinary poor people like us,” agreed one user.
“Earlier they used to have a mandatory voluntary donation of 20 rupees for accessing the washroom. I guess they have removed that,” revealed another.
“Yes, this is true- I paid it first time thinking there is no other restroom in the mall. And they kind of guilt trip you into saying, its just a donation- why not pay? I really never understood their concept of mandatory, voluntary donation. If they are going to fleece people might as well accept it,” related a third.
“I visited Phoenix Whitefield and was denied access to the ground floor VIP restroom without a ₹ 1000 shopping bill. The other restrooms were in poor condition, raising concerns about discriminatory policies and neglected facilities. This experience was unacceptable,” said a fourth.
“It’s the case in all of the Pheonix malls I think. I have seen the same setup in Chennai Pheonix mall as well. But the bill value is 500 there and the restroom was on the top floor,” commented a sixth.
What is your opinion of such a policy? Do malls adopt such marketing schemes to increase their sales or do the social consequences outweigh the benefits? Let us know in the comments below.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: NDTV, Times Now, Deccan Herald
This post is tagged under: Bangalore, Bengaluru, washroom, VIP, policy, reddit, post, netizens, Phoenix Whitefield mall, bill
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, or copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
Other Recommendations:
Loneliness, Hair Loss, High Rent: Tech Professional Talks About Life In Bengaluru
