What is the minimum number of seats a food establishment must have to require bathrooms for patrons?

The requirement for the minimum number of seats in a food establishment that mandates the provision of bathrooms for patrons is established to ensure public health and safety standards. In New York City, regulations specify that restaurants with a minimum seating capacity of 20 patrons must provide restrooms for the convenience of their customers. This number aligns with the understanding that establishments larger than this threshold attract a sufficient volume of patrons who may require restroom access, thereby necessitating facilities to maintain hygiene and comfort.

Having bathrooms becomes increasingly important as the size of the establishment increases, given that larger venues typically serve more customers simultaneously. The decision to establish 20 seats as the cutoff reflects this reasoning and ensures that restaurants cater to patron needs adequately. Therefore, the choice that states 20 seats as the minimum aligns with regulatory expectations in food service environments.