Anyone else been refused tap water in restaurant

jouef

adouglasmhor wrote: »

They have to wipe the tables or change the table linen, maybe they should surcharge for that. Maybe charge more in winter as the heating is on.

As discussed earlier, table-wiping and linen-changing is already included in the price of each item so why would they need to surcharge for it? The cost of winter heating (and summer cooling) is also already included.

If a customer does not pay for an item, such as tap water, those costs are loaded onto the overheads for paid-for items. Whether that's a loss-leader, PR benefit or an unfair imposition is the proprietor's business decision.

adouglasmhor

jouef wrote: »

As discussed earlier, table-wiping and linen-changing is already included in the price of each item so why would they need to surcharge for it? The cost of winter heating (and summer cooling) is also already included.

If a customer does not pay for an item, such as tap water, those costs are loaded onto the overheads for paid-for items. Whether that's a loss-leader, PR benefit or an unfair imposition is the proprietor's business decision.

I have allready been through that, why not read the rest of the thread before replying.

thefreckle

steveymp wrote: »

Having worked in hotels and pubs most of my life I know that the profit in drink is not from beer or spirits but from soft drinks. This is the reason some try to refuse or charge for tap water.

I paid £3.75 for a jug or cordial last year in a hotel, despite just ordering in excess of £50 worth of food I spoke pleasantly to the owner afterwards and he sheepishly refunded the £3.75 (which I then added to the tip bowl as service was good). He saw my point of view as I told him returning happy custom is better than a short term gain and peeing customers off, a simple charge of 50p to cover cordial and ice would be perfectly acceptable.

I cannot and will not ever charge anyone for a glass of water, I will present it to them in a nice clean glass, with ice, a slice of lemon and a smile (the latter of which costs nothing) in the hope that they return as a customer again.

I agree with that.

I also agree with Paul - I don't think restaurants should be under any obligation to provide glasses of free water and if they choose to charge for water then I wouldn't argue with them - if the service and food was good I'd probably return as well.

Having said that, if I owned a restaurant and I was aware that a number of customers were ruling out coming to my restaurant because I charge them for water (when they might be spending a significant amount of money on food), then I think I would revise my pricing policy on water.

jouef

adouglasmhor wrote: »

They could add the miniscule cost of cleaning a glass to that no problem or use disposables/recyclables at <1.5p each if that works out cheaper.

Don't get in the chef's way while you go to fill up your own disposable cup at the tap. And drink it outside so they're not paying to heat and light you as well. If the water makes you wee don't use paper or soap in the loo. Take the cup with you to put in the bin at home.

motorguy

thefreckle wrote: »

Having said that, if I owned a restaurant and I was aware that a number of customers were ruling out coming to my restaurant because I charge them for water (when they might be spending a significant amount of money on food), then I think I would revise my pricing policy on water.

I'd say they have already and have found that the overall drop say of 0.1% in overall revenue was more than offset by the overall increase in drink sales?

Maybe they're happy enough to "take the hit" on losing a small number of customers who are "offended" at being charged for water?

After all, you cant only not charge that 1%, you have to not charge everyone?

PLUS, if you do an analysis of people who insist on want free luke warm tap water with their meal, maybe they also go for the "special offers" on the menu so theres little profit in it anyway so not much of a loss, particularly if it frees up a table for a group ordering steaks and swilling lots of wine or beer?

jouef

adouglasmhor wrote: »

I have allready been through that, why not read the rest of the thread before replying.

Like I said, "As discussed earlier ..."

adouglasmhor

jouef wrote: »

Don't get in the chef's way while you go to fill up your own disposable cup at the tap. And drink it outside so they're not paying to heat and light you as well. If the water makes you wee don't use paper or soap in the loo. Take the cup with you to put in the bin at home.

I thought all those overheads were already factored in, can you make your mind up? Or can you just not remember what has been posted before?
Why would you be filling up your own from the tap?

adouglasmhor

jouef wrote: »

Like I said, "As discussed earlier ..."

Well you missed a relevant bit this might help

thefreckle

motorguy wrote: »

I'd say they have already and have found that the overall drop say of 0.1% in overall revenue was more than offset by the overall increase in drink sales?

Maybe they're happy enough to "take the hit" on losing a small number of customers who are "offended" at being charged for water?

After all, you cant only not charge that 1%, you have to not charge everyone?

PLUS, if you do an analysis of people who insist on want free luke warm tap water with their meal, maybe they also go for the "special offers" on the menu so theres little profit in it anyway so not much of a loss, particularly if it frees up a table for a group ordering steaks and swilling lots of wine or beer?

All reasonable points. I'm not sure I'd agree that a lot of analysis has been put into it though.

Someone also mentioned earlier that soft drinks produce a much higher profit margin than alcholic drinks. I'm fairly sure that food also produces a high profit margin. I'd rather have that money in my pocket than someone elses even if it means giving a few glasses of "free luke warm tap water" (as opposed to the free, ice cold tap water I serve in my ficticious establishment).

I'm also fairly sure a group of "free water" diners eating a meal would still add a positive contribution to my costs even when the negligible cost of a few free glasses of water are included (and even if they were eating off the specials board). The preference obviously is a table consuming multiple soft drinks per person but that won't always be the case. I think most restaurant owners realise that.

In your last paragraph you mentioned freeing up tables - you're assuming that a restaurant is operating at full capacity - I doubt the majority would be in that position. That being the case, a few free glasses of water to get the attractive margin on food is a small cost to pay in my book. Like I said, it will still be a positive contribution to the costs of the restaurant.

almillar

I take it that everyone who thinks restaurants can charge for tap water is happy to pay water rates? After all, water isn't free...
I'd suggest anyone feeling ripped off by NOT taking the water, and subsidising others, should take that free water and use it.
Water is not like free poppodoms or bread or prawn crackers, it's kindof necessary for eating.
motorguy - you are or were in the motor trade I think - what's your opinion on all these women getting bunches of flowers with their cars? We men are subsidising them! I won't stand for it, I'm wearing a dress next time I buy a car to get my money's worth!