Charging for tap water

HurdyGurdy

Just come back from taking my son out for his birthday lunch.

He asked for water to drink. The waiter asked if he wanted tap water, he said yes, fine - and had two glasses during the course of the meal.

When the bill came, I was really surprised to see that they had charged £2.60 for tap water.

I didn't want to kick up a fuss, and especially as I'm not sure I had a case to make, but given that my son wasn't offered anything other than tap water, can a restaurant really charge such a ridiculous amount for tap water?

There is nothing on their menu about tap water. Mineral water, sparkling or still, is £1.90 a glass.

Collabora

I don't think their is anything to stop them charging for Tap Water, when you think of it they will have to pay water rates for their water which will be higher than domestic rates.
I think most places will charge a small fee

scottishblondie

If the restaurant was licensed to serve alcohol then it seems that they must provide free tap water - see this MSE article. If it isn't licensed then they can charge for it, and I doubt there is any limitation on the charge.

Paully232000

I wouldn't have a problem with being charged a reasonable amount for tap water, but this seems a tad over what i would call reasonable. £1.30 a glass is a bit steep, but having said that I probably wouldn't have mentioned it either, just my tip would have been less, by £2.

McKneff

I never drink anything other than tap water in any restaurant, my OH usually
has a fresh orange to drink.


I have never been charged for it either, but as above it has usually been
in some where that is licencsed.

MarkBargain

Everyone would assume tap water is free, it nearly always is, and if they wish to charge that should be made clear on the menu. Perhaps you should write a review of that restaurant on Tripadvisor and mention it?

JethroUK

Nobody charges for tap water
They charge for the service
Bit surprised I'm they only one noticed this

That said £1 a glass is still too much (errrrrm not for the water, for the service)

Beenie

I may be wrong about this, but I seem to remember that it's part of the Alcohol Licence (which the licensee must apply for) that you must provide water at no charge. You may charge for washing the glass, providing the glasses etc. But that is often a nominal 10p only.

Elvisia

I wish I had known this - the other day I was queuing up in Pret and a very pompous man came charging in up to the till and announced he was entitled to a glass of free tap water which he was duly given, he then said although legally they didn't have to provide him with a second it was so small he could ask for some more (they did give him a little piddle of water in the bottom of a tiny cup). He sounded very much as though he knew his rights, even though he wasn't buying anything!!

Zinger549

They don't serve alcohol in Pret so I don't think they have to give free water.

Laz123

I hope you didn't leave a tip.