Hey Dina,

I understand that particular frustration, believe me.  Been there, done that.

If state law doesn't require that businesses make restrooms accessible for
patrons, then you don't have legal recourse. This is the case in Virginia,
for example, with the exception of restaurants.

The post office may have a regulation prohibiting public access to certain
areas to protect the mail.  I don't know if you meant the post office
specifically, or if you were just mentioning it as an example.

If you've been denied access to a restroom that is legally considered public
access area though, you may have something to work with.

In a message dated 06/01/2000 5:19:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Hi all,
>
>  I was wondering if anyone knows whether or not a business place like a post
>  office or a bank is in violation of the ADA laws by refusing entrance to
the
>  restrooms for a disabled person?
>
>  Here's a common scenario: I have gone into a bank or a post office and I
> have
>  asked if I can use the restroom since I NEEDED to use one ASAP or risk the
>  chances of an accident. I have been refused because "they don't have a
>  bathroom on the premises," but that I should be able to go the restaurant
or
>  whatever other store nearby instead. I have told them that my bladder is
>  close to bursting. Usually this happens when I have had a long drive, and
>  have drunk enough water for my bladder to need to go URGENTLY ASAP. I am at
>  these places because of business purposes, not as a convenient place to
stop
>  and ask.
>
>  If I could do that without any problem, I wouldn't be asking them for their
>  "exclusive bathroom."  Have any of you encountered this and what do you do
>  about this? Is there a definite way to find out if they are in violation or
>  not?
>
>  Thanks,
>
>  Dina
>
>