Pub Owners Hopeful Spray Will Stop Drug Use in Public Restrooms

Pubs in the United Kingdom are spraying their restrooms with an invisible film that claims to prevent people from using restroom surfaces to take illegal drugs, European Cleaning Journal reports.

The spray, described as a nontoxic mixture of resins and surfactants, coats toilets, sinks, infant changing tables, and other surfaces with a film that spoils cocaine. It’s the latest in series of tactics to prevent people from taking illegal substances in public facilities.

However, public health experts say spray is unnecessary as many cocaine users snort the drug from their keys, bank cards, or mobile phones rather than use restroom fixtures.

Public facilities have tried numerous methods to discourage drug use, such as replacing flat areas with highly textured surfaces or placing security guards inside restrooms. Some facilities have gone as far as to coat surfaces with lubricants, which health specialists say is harmful to everyone who uses the restroom.