More than 3,000 Beijing businesses are expected to open their restrooms for public use.

The Beijing Municipal Administration Commission has urged hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, gasoline stations and other establishments to open the doors of their facilities by Monday to people who aren't customers.

Many businesses seem far more receptive to the idea now that the commissions is merely encouraging them to do so, rather than issuing a directive.

Far-sighted business people will not refuse those in need, according to a Xinhua News Agency report. Offering use of their toilets might help their bottom lines, as consumers who use the facilities might stay and spend money.

Meanwhile, the city will upgrade or build another 400 public restrooms.

According to the Beijing Star Daily, the city also has promised that by 2008, people will be able to locate a public lavatory within eight minutes' walk of any spot in the downtown area.

Before, Beijing -- with a population of 13.8 million by last's year count -- had only an estimated 7,700 public toilets. That number simply could not meet the needs of the public.

A taxi driver surnamed Yang said that he is afraid of drinking too much water when he works because he often cannot find a restroom.

"Each time I'm thirsty, I only take a sip of water," said the 32-year-old Yang, who usually works more than 12 hours a day. He said that some drivers simply use the roadside out of necessity.

According to the commission's blueprint, over the next four years the city will close about 3,000 antiquated public restrooms located in the hutong (traditional back lanes).

The city is seen to be addressing the shortage of facilities to prepare to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

The Xinhua News Agency report hailed the move, noting that tourists will be the biggest beneficiaries.

During the past week-long May Day holiday alone, the capital welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and overseas visitors.

(China Daily July 21, 2004)