Restaurant Builds Fence to Stop Human Defecation on Property: ‘Literally Our Last Resort’

**Baton Rouge Deli Installs Fence Following Persistent Defecation Issues**

In a surprising turn of events, Roul’s Deli in Baton Rouge has resorted to erecting a fence around its premises due to a recurring problem involving public defecation. The establishment, located on Plank Road, has faced this sanitation concern for several months, prompting owner Sarah Saymeh to explore various solutions before taking this drastic measure.

Saymeh, who co-owns the deli with her brother Hesham, revealed that the issue started around four to five months ago when unhoused individuals began to defecate on their property. Efforts to address the situation included contacting local authorities and appealing directly to the individuals involved. Saymeh stated that staff members often found themselves taking turns to manage the mess, with the unpleasant task of cleaning being shared among both employees and owners alike.

Describing the frustration of the situation, Saymeh said, “It started becoming a thing, like ‘oh it’s your turn, like it’s your turn to clean it.’” After months of attempts to negotiate a resolution, including requests for the individuals to move to a less visible location near the dumpster, the deli ultimately decided that installing a fence was their last option.

The project, which cost approximately £5,700, was installed to prevent further incidents. “I didn’t want it to look like a jail cell, honestly,” Saymeh remarked, expressing her reluctance at the idea of fortifying their restaurant in such a manner. Despite this, she felt compelled to take action after their previous measures failed to provide a solution.

Since the fence’s installation on 30 March, Saymeh has noted a temporary improvement, stating, “For now, the issue has been resolved.” However, the owner remains cautious about the long-term effectiveness of the fence and the potential for the problem to shift elsewhere around the establishment. “The city needs to actually do more than what we’re doing,” she emphasised, highlighting a broader concern that transcends her business.

Saymeh’s concerns resonate with other businesses in the area. Following the deli’s announcement on social media, several neighbouring establishments began sharing similar experiences, expressing relief that they were not alone in facing this predicament. “It needs to be fixed around the whole area,” she added, calling for a concerted effort to address the underlying issues facing the local unhoused population.

In light of the developments, the Mayor of Baton Rouge has reached out to Saymeh, indicating that the city plans to send a team to provide support for those living in the vicinity who are experiencing homelessness. This response, though welcomed, underscores the complexities involved in tackling such social issues.

In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Roul’s Deli issued an apology to their customers for the new security measure. “I want to sincerely apologise for having to do this,” the post read. It acknowledged the presence of unhoused individuals at night, alongside concerns about drug paraphernalia in the area, while reiterating that the defecation problem remained the most pressing concern.

Commentary from the public varied, with some expressing sympathy for the deli’s plight, while others were shocked that such drastic actions were necessary in the first place. One user quipped, “Such a s—ty situation,” while another user questioned the state of affairs leading to such measures.

Roul’s Deli’s experiences shed light on a growing challenge within urban environments, where businesses and local authorities must navigate complex social dynamics alongside maintaining public health and community standards. As the restaurant tries to adapt, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to homelessness remains an urgent and pressing concern within the Baton Rouge community.