Auckland bar's unusual bathroom antics

An Auckland City bar has found an unconventional way to deter intoxicated patrons
from damaging their bathrooms.

Tom Tom bar in Victoria Park is running a free hair and makeup workshop from its
unisex toilets area every Friday.

This is a move the owner Andrew Chapman says has controlled patrons' behaviour.
"It's had an interesting and pacifying effect. Men and women are showing more
respect for each other and for the bar", says Chapman.

The workshop does not largely impact business but "adds a unique character and has
a positive impact on the people who get involved".

Manager Tom Martin, 23, says, "We've had the idea since we opened up nine months
ago. It's different, fun, and hasn't been done in New Zealand before.

"We have a large office crowd so Friday is our biggest night and the idea is to make
women feel comfortable and confident when they want to go out straight away after a
long day at work," Martin says.

"We will definitely continue with it and we're thinking of starting up on Saturday
nights as well. We have a lot of women who are returning for the workshop."

Freelance makeup artist Katia Dunaeva, 25, who works Fridays for the workshop,
says it's a positive move.

"You would be surprised at how many women think of applying makeup as a chore
but it's amazing how five minutes can change someone's perception on it. Makeup is
a powerful tool, it makes women feel confident, young, and sexy.

"There are people who think makeup artistry is a shallow business but I disagree. I am
empowering women and teaching them life long skills that make a difference to how
they feel about themselves".