Pay ₹1,000 or Hold It!: Bengaluru Mall’s Controversial VIP Restroom Policy Sparks Outrage

Bengaluru: A popular mall in Bengaluru is facing criticism for its controversial policy requiring a minimum shopping bill of ₹1,000 to use its “VIP” restroom. The backlash gained momentum after a Reddit user, identified as DeskKey9633, shared their frustrating experience at Phoenix Marketcity Mall in Whitefield.

In a recent Reddit post, DeskKey9633 detailed their experience of being denied access to the ground-floor restroom unless they showed a shopping bill of ₹1,000. 

“I had an infuriating experience this weekend at Phoenix Whitefield that I feel needs some attention,” the user wrote. They explained that after traveling a long distance from Church Street to shop, they were surprised to find the ground-floor restroom labeled as “VIP” and restricted to patrons with substantial shopping bills.

According to the Redditor, a security guard at the restroom entrance insisted on seeing a bill, and upon learning that the bill must be at least ₹1,000, DeskKey9633 was directed to other restrooms located on upper floors. The viral post read, “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?"

The condition of these alternative restrooms was reportedly poor, with many facilities in disrepair. It read, “When I explained I didn’t have a bill (clearly as I was yet to start shopping) she directed me to the restrooms on the floors above and below. To my dismay, those restrooms were in terrible condition. With so many people being redirected, the toilets were poorly maintained and many flushes weren’t working. This made me wonder: why are the other restrooms not kept to the same standard?”

“Moreover, in an emergency situation, the stress of finding a usable restroom on another floor could be overwhelming. Even if a VIP restroom is a thing, it doesn’t justify neglecting other facilities,” it read

The user further added, “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.”

They expressed concern that such policies could lead to neglect of other restroom facilities and create unnecessary stress for visitors needing urgent access.

The post has received garnered widepread attention online, with many users expressing their outrage and sharing similar grievances. “This is so true. There is a lady security guard who stops people from entering and asks them to pay for some kind of pass,” one commenter wrote. Another user recounted their own experience with a previously mandated voluntary donation, which was removed in favor of the current policy.

Even though policies regarding restroom access can vary widely among malls, from free and open access to paid systems aimed at maintaining cleanliness, Phoenix Marketcity’s approach has sparked debate over fairness and customer service.