Tap water at a restaurant

[mrochester]

Hi guys I was always under the impression that a restaurant was legally obligied to give you tap water if you wanted it, and that they couldn't charge you for it. Is this still the case?

 

[mrochester]

Just yesterday 7 of us went to a Chinese buffet and they said they only sold bottled water, and refused to give us tap water. My dad stormed out at this point. We crossed the road to another Chinese buffet, who also refused to give us tap water. The guy at the till said he could increase the price of the meal to give us tap water for free. We then went to a 3rd Chinese buffet, who also refused to give us tap water.

 

[mrochester]

I've spoken to consumer direct and a restaurant can charge for tap water. They can also refuse to serve you it. It's only pubs and clubs which are legally obliged to give you tap water for free if you want it.