Free tap water denied - complaint

Caterina

Hi all

The other day I went into a Quiznos sandwich bar (in Embankment, central London), where I had a nice veggie roll and paid £2.89. At the till after paying I asked the woman serving me for a glass of tap water.

She rudely told me that "we don't do tap water" and that if I want a drink the bottle water is there (pointing) and that I should buy it.

I have emailed the head office and complained about what happened (on account of her rudeness but also on the basis that I choose to drink tap water for environmental, as well as financial, reasons - and most places now do provide free water to their customers).

When I told my DD about this, she insisted that it is ILLEGAL to refuse to serve tap water to someone who consumes food in an eating place.

Does anyone know of this law? I would be really interested because if this is enforceable by law I shall GO BACK THERE and test it and then quote the law if necessary!

Thank you! Power to the customer!

Caterina

davester

There is no laws that force anyone to offer tap water for free

Caterina

I thought as much, I told her that it must be an urban myth, pity, I would have enjoyed the challenge!

Caterina

I agree, very mean! Actually what I did (because I did not have a lot of money of me to be truthful!) I went to Starbucks next door and asked politely (said that I needed it to take a tablet hehe), and the lovely assistant gave me a full glass.

Now, I know that Starbucks are the environmentalist's nightmare, but you know what, I would go back there for a paid drink just out of gratitude for the way I was treated!

Timmne

Why do you think any company should take time out, not to mention using their glass/paper cups, just so you don't have to pay?

That's ridiculous. When I was a waiter when I was at school, we used to charge for tap water because we had so many tight @rses come in and thinking because they were paying for a meal, that their water should come free.

luckys_mum

The same thing happened to me in a cafe in the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool last year. I too thought it was very miserly and I really did want it to take tablets with.

Timmne

If you have tablets to take that are so important, why not carry water with you?

love-hearts

Ohh !!!!!!!! the poor woman only wanted a glass of tap water, stingy fookers they are.

so2006

Timmne wrote: »

If you have tablets to take that are so important, why not carry water with you?

Its just water. You would expect a vendor on the street to give you one.

Rikki

I wonder if they would stop you drinking from a water bottle filled with your own tap water?

TurkishDelight

Timmne wrote: »

Why do you think any company should take time out, not to mention using their glass/paper cups, just so you don't have to pay?

That's ridiculous. When I was a waiter when I was at school, we used to charge for tap water because we had so many tight @rses come in and thinking because they were paying for a meal, that their water should come free.

Maybe because they are a paying customer???

One that is unlikely to come back if they are treated crappily. The water is all paid for as I doubt there are any eateries on a meter, the dishwasher has to go on anyway, and if they are running out of glasses then they really need more glasses/staff to wash them anyway.