Sex in club toilets

Club toilets - a place to gossip, break the beer seal, or let out that lust. But before you start copulating in the conveniences, read on.

"She said she was coming back..."

Audience – applause or arrest?

It may be a turn-on getting steamy in a public place, but getting caught in a compromising position is not nearly as thrilling in real life when the bouncers become an active audience. While they are more likely to tell you to cover up and move on, they could get the police involved.

In fact the Sexual Offences Act makes it an offence to commit any sexual acts (not just intercourse but any sexual touching of other parts of the body) in a public lavatory if the person intentionally engages in a sexual activity. The person could be liable to imprisonment of up to six months, or a fine. The bill also dissolves the old offences of cottaging (cruising for gay sex in public toilets) so now everyone is bound by the same laws regardless of sexuality.

Where else is it illegal to have sex?

Tempting as it may be to get it on in trains, planes, parks and other public places, you could be prosecuted for ‘outraging public decency’. Broadly speaking, a person commits such an offence when exposing themselves or engaging in a sexual act while another person is present and likely to be offended or alarmed. So be warned, if you’re overcome by passion, and it can’t wait until you get home, make sure no-one else is watching!

In theory, even going topless on the beach can expose you to complaints, and not just in cases where it’s banned by the local authority. If the police were brought in, however, the decision to prosecute would depend upon the circumstances behind the alleged offence and their interpretation of the law.

Protect yourself

Alcohol and drugs can mess with your head. Don’t put yourself at risk, always use a condom. If your fumble is with a stranger, you don’t know where they’ve been and chances are there won’t be time for them to tell you, so play safe.

Stay safe

We know you might like to party a lot but it’s important to think about whether you really want to do this. Would you be with this person if you were sober? Can it wait till you get back to your place?

Remember nobody has the right to do anything to you without your consent first. Be on the safe side and make sure you and your cubicle buddy both agree to what’s about to happen. It’s easy to forget about safer sex or even general personal safety if your judgement is seriously impaired.

What if I change my mind halfway through?

That’s perfectly fine. As we mentioned before you’ve both got to make sure you’re 100% up for it, especially as you’d be doing it in the same spot that people poo. Try telling your partner that you’re not ready for this and this isn’t the right time. For more advice read our How to Say No to Sex article.