'Shocked' by bathroom sign

Photo: CTV

A family-owned Greek restaurant in New Westminster is in hot water over what some are calling an "inappropriate" restroom sign.

Stefano's Lounge and Restaurant, located on Columbia street, features traditional stick figures on the doors of their men's and women's washrooms. But on the women's room door, the male is depicted peeking over a divider as though spying on the female.

Lauren Sundstrom, who visited the restaurant with her family this weekend, was appalled.

"I was pretty shocked by what I saw. I think it's meant to be a joke, but it is in very poor taste," Sundstrom told CTV News. "As a woman, you would see that sign and think, 'Is this a safe bathroom for me to go into?'"

Bill Faltakas owns the restaurant, and said the sign isn't new.

"To me, it's like a joke. It's a joke," he said, explaining he never meant it to be disrespectful, though he could see how it may come across as insensitive.

Sundstrom wants the sign taken down.

"Especially given the current political climate and the Me Too movement," she said.

"It's surprising to me that restaurants or any place of business would have a sign that shows somebody intruding on a woman trying to use the washroom. I think that's inappropriate on so many levels."

Faltakas said he has plans to cover the sign with paint and tape. Other restrooms on the premises already have traditional signs. 

– with files from CTV Vancouver