Mardi Gras porta potty
Access to facilities is no trivial matter
at The Greatest Free Show on Earth.
FINDING TOILETS DURING MARDI GRAS
Taking Care of the Important Business
As memorialized in the song "Ain’t No Place to Pee on Mardi Gras Day," lavatory logistics can be a definite challenge during the festivities. How challenging? For imbeciles and drunks, the wall, alleyway, parking lot or space between parked cars are obvious solutions.
But consider this statistic: As reported by the New Orleans Times-Picayune in 2002, more than 90 percent of arrests along the parade routes and throughout the French Quarter are for public urination.
Most businesses close their facilities to everyone but paying customers, although some will allow non-patrons to purchase access. A single visit might cost $1 or $2, whereas an all-day pass can set you back $10. For churches and schools in the vicinity of parade routes, selling “potty passes” is a popular fundraising gambit.
Don’t count on hotel bathrooms; during Mardi Gras, most hotels only allow in guests with room keys. But if you’re in the French Quarter and you buy a drink from a to-go window or stand, you’re entitled by law to use that establishment’s restroom.
If you’re going to be drinking, always factor restrooms into your Carnival game plan. It’s a good idea to scope out accessible facilities before deciding where to watch a parade; you don’t want to be scrambling around once it’s too late. And be sure to get in line for the potty before you really have to go. Hopefully by the time you’re crossing your legs, you’ll be at the front of the line! When you’re patronizing a restaurant or bar, use the facilities before leaving.
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