Fourteen restaurants and shops around Sutton town centre have agreed to open their lavatories to the passing public.
Non-customers will now be able to use facilities in volunteer premises bearing a green Community Toilet Scheme sticker.
Sutton Council, which is paying each firm £300 a year in maintenance costs, says the approach is cheaper than running public conveniences.
Passing trade is likely to be boosted and access increased to clean and safe lavatories, including baby changing and disabled facilities.
Councillor Colin Hall, executive member for environment, said: “I am delighted to launch the new community toilet scheme just weeks before we begin a major revamp of Sutton town centre.
“Many older people or parents with young children have called for more public loos in the town centre and this is another example of how local people can influence our services.
“It’s very expensive for the council to build new toilets and costly to maintain them, as they are often a magnet for vandalism and anti-social behaviour. They are not good value for money for our residents.”
Venues already signed up to the scheme include Asda, BHS, Debenhams, Empire Cinema and Green Tree Cafe.
For a full list go to sutton.gov.uk/toilets.
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