Forum: Coffee shops can balance toilet hygiene and costs for better business

A recent study by Singapore Management University found that coffee shop toilets were the dirtiest among more than 2,600 toilets surveyed across Singapore (Coffee shop toilets found to be the dirtiest in SMU study of 2,600 public loos, Feb 3).

While hygiene standards are crucial, could ageing infrastructure and facilities be contributing to these poor scores? Unlike hawker centres, which undergo periodic government-funded renovations, private coffee shops do not always have structured renovation cycles.

These operators are profit-driven businesses focused on maximising returns for their owners. Upgrading toilets – especially in older buildings – can be costly, and some operators may be reluctant to invest in such improvements if they do not see a direct financial benefit.

The challenge is how to encourage improvements without imposing additional regulations that could increase costs for businesses and, ultimately, consumers.

Instead of a punitive approach, a system that rewards good hygiene practices could be more effective in raising standards while keeping costs manageable.

One approach is to incentivise coffee shop tenants and staff to take greater ownership of toilet cleanliness. Stallholders, who have a vested interest in attracting customers, could be offered rental discounts or other benefits for maintaining hygiene standards in shared facilities.

Coffee shop owners could also reward cleaning contractors through an outcome-based contract, where performance incentives are tied to cleanliness levels rather than just routine cleaning schedules. This way, cleaners have a direct motivation to ensure that toilets remain well-maintained throughout the day, rather than merely meeting the bare minimum required.

Beyond financial incentives, consumer-driven recognition can also play a role. Coffee shops with clean toilets could be recognised through a voluntary industry-led hygiene rating system.

Operators that consistently maintain high standards may see increased customer traffic, creating a business incentive to invest in better cleanliness. When hygiene translates into customer preference and higher sales, it becomes a business advantage rather than just a compliance issue.

Rather than relying on stricter regulations or government subsidies, businesses should view hygiene improvements as an investment in customer experience and long-term sustainability.

A clean environment not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters greater trust in the establishment.

By rewarding good hygiene practices – whether through rental incentives, outcome-based cleaning contracts or consumer recognition – coffee shop operators can raise standards in a sustainable way.

Instead of seeing hygiene as an added cost, it should be recognised as an opportunity to improve business and build customer loyalty.

Martin Lee Ming Han