Equal Status (Access to Toilet Facilities) Bill 2026

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

People with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, other bowel conditions, or an ostomy device would have a legal right to use staff-only toilets in retail shops that do not offer customer toilets, if the shop has enough staff on duty and there is no immediate health, safety or security risk. They would need to show approved proof of their condition, which could include a phone app or card approved by the Minister for Health. If a retailer refuses without good reason, it would count as disability discrimination under the Equal Status Acts, giving the person a route to make a complaint or seek redress.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to entitle customers with certain medical conditions to make use of staff toilet facilities in retail establishments in certain circumstances, to provide for redress where the entitlement is not met, and to provide for connected matters.

Last updated 16 January 2026