Tap water in restaurants - Have your say

Tell us your Tap Water experiences - Click Here (Maximum 200 words)

Listen to our National Chair Dame Yve Buckland talk tap on the Guardian newspaper website.

The opinions expressed below are those sent to CCWater by consumers. CCWater is unable to accept responsibility for the accuracy of any of the comments.

Andy Jarosz	After a long hike on a hot day there is nothing better than a large cold drink. So when we recently finished a wonderful walk in the Yorkshire Dales and sat down in the garden of the attractive looking Cottage Tea Room in Kettlewell. We were ready for lunch and a chance to cool down with a glass of water. It was to our surprise that we saw written on the menu “Please kindly note tap water is not served”. Not to worry I thought; they want to avoid people passing through and just sitting down asking for a free glass of water. We were still confident that having ordered a meal for four and a round of drinks this denial of water would not apply to us; particularly when we asked the waitress and mentioned our thirst and need for simple and rapid replenishment. But no; she repeated the line that we had already heard her give to other guests, “sorry, we don’t serve tap water”. We saw others ask and be disappointed by the inability to get a humble glass of water. The impression that is given, rightly or wrongly, is of a business that is short-sighted, petty and more bothered about enforcing unfriendly rules than about providing their customers with a decent service.
Christina	Christine here !!, my friend and I called in at the Old Bush Inn at Swindon West Midlands for a meal ,we ordered food a bottle of wine and a jug of tap water , the girl at the bar told us that it was management policy not to serve tap water due to the fact that was their water was very cloudy and contained a high proportion of calcium , what I wonder do they cook their food in and wash salad in ?, needless to say we will not be returning to their establishment as to add insult to injury the food was disgusting.
Nicholas	On Friday the 25th of June 2010, I ordered a lunch at Cafe Brood in Borough market, London. Despite ordering a meal was refused a glass of water unless I purchased a further drink. The staff refused to get the manager and repeatedly refused the water request. An absolute disgrace.
Steve	It’s about time the rules were changed. When I was at Uni there was a club that would go as far as turning off the taps in the bathrooms so we’d have to buy their stupidly expensive bottled water. I remember one student got himself into such a state he was trying to drink out of the toilet.
Lauren	I was in The Colosseum nightclub in Vauxhall and one of the bar staff told me that the manager 'Chris' had forbade the staff there from allowing customers tap water at the bar. I think this is highly irresponsible in a country that has such terribly huge problems with problems with binge drinking, alcohol fuelled violence and alcohol related injuries/accidents as England (and the rest of the UK).
Pauline	On Tuesday 15th June 2010 my two sisters (one who was over from England) were out for the day and decided to visit Newcastle Co. Down. We called in to the Slieve Donard Hotel for Lunch. It was a very hot day. On ordering we asked for water to quench out thirst, before having our meal. We were refused tap water and were told it was a “Management Policy” and had to purchase a bottle! I visited “The Other Place”, Lisburn Road with the same response when asked for tap water. Management said it was because of Water Rates! Is this a new law? No tap water given!
Anon	The NEW “Laus 202 Chinese Buffet” in Newcastle upon Tyne, when our large party was ordering our drinks, we asked if we could get some tap water for the table and were told that they didn’t serve tap water, but could order bottled water if we wished. This was the first time I have been refused tap water, so we asked a different waiter who told us the same thing. I’m not sure I would arrange to go there again even though the food is good.
J Leonard	Mulberry house restaurant in Birchington Kent recently refused to serve us tap water on request with our two course meal, saying that they were protecting us from the awful water in that part of Thanet. As we have a house in the same area and regularly drink the water we could not agree. They tried to sell us bottled water which we said we did not drink for environmental reasons. As we needed to take tablets with the meal the waitress grudgingly brought out two small glasses with about half an inch of water in each (of this non drinkable water!) Needless to say we left without eating. We will never go there again and they lost about £20. This restaurant joins the Twins chinese buffet in Chatham (who charge 50p for a glass of tap water ) as two of the meanest in Kent
Anon	I would like to name “Chai Pani” at the Belgrave Road, Leicester who refuse to serve tap water for drinking and insists on selling bottled water. Th food is good so it is a shame that I would not be visiting the restaurant again as I think it is waste of resources and environmentally unfriendly. Also how can they refuse you choice to drink tap water?
Kat Birch	Hebden Bridge previously said: I visited the post office cafe in Downham nr Clitheroe at the weekend. It's a tiny place and the only cafe in the village. The food is basic, no frills (25p for a butter portion!) and cheap. The service is pretty poor and they have a 'plainly stated' policy not to serve tap water, even to those who have also made other purchases. I'm also pregnant - that didn't wash either.
Peter Williams	We had exactly the same experience today, in the same place, in an area trying to promote tourism: basic food, rude service from the management (although the teenage girl doing the table service was very polite), and refused a glass of tapwater despite spending over £30 on food and drinks. But there was a bowl of water on the floor provided for the dogs that were allowed to wander around the badly decorated tearoom as we ate.
Anon	I generally agree the diner's right to ask for tap water if they want to drink it. I thought the law was changed so that the restaurant is obliged to provide tap water if asked for. I have generally not had any negative reply when I ask for tap water but one or two restaurants so far have refused to serve tap water saving it is not their policy. One restaurant we've been to (Raw Spice in West Hendon, London NW9 7BP) refused to supply tap water even though 10 of us had ordered other drinks. Even after saying that it was needed because 3 of us wanted to take some medication with our food. They said they don't supply tap water! Yet, a branch of the restaurant in Stanmore was happy to supply it although it was in a naff plastic jug!
Colin	Today my family celebrated my wife's birthday at "The Labworth Restaurant " on Canvey Island in Essex. The meal, drinks and service were very acceptable but when I asked for Tapwater also to be served, I was informed that "they were not allowed to do so". Upon querying the reasons for this, I was told "that it was for Health & Safety Reasons as the tap water had not gone through their filter". Personally, I have only come across a few restaurants that refuse to supply Tapwater but this is the first one that has, by inference, claimed that this was because its mains water supply breached potable Health & Safety standards. As tap water will almost certainly also have been used in the food preparation and utensil cleansing activities at "The Labworth" the consequences of using it at all would, I suspect, infringe many other area's of Safety and Hygiene at these premises were the claim actually to be the real reason behind this refusal. I notice that other contributors to your comments page on this subject have urged your organisation to support a change in the law regarding the provision of tap water by all UK catering establishments and I would join my voice with theirs. In the meantime, I guess that we will all just have to continue take our custom away from those establishments who infringe this basic tenet of hospitality to those who do.
Brad	We went to the Red Dragon on Mile End Road, E1 (Opposite Block Busters) and we were refused tap water. This is a Buffet Restaurant who seems to charge a lot for their soft drinks. Not somewhere I will be going again as the buffet wasn’t all that good either. My advice better restaurant across the road for Chinese food go there
Lesley	I'd like to name and shame Izumi Oriental Buffet & Grill in Brentwood. The menu says "the management reserves the right to refuse tap water" and today they pointed this out and said they would not serve us tap water again. We realise it costs money to serve it and wash the glasses - we would be happy to pay a nominal charge - but they wanted to force us to buy bottled water.
Gemma	I’d like to name and shame Bricklane Tandoori in Newcastle. This is the first place I have ever been refused tap water, in fact until today I thought it was law that it had to be provided. This will most definitely affect whether I go back to this restaurant again.
Ian	The Wasabi Restaurant, Uplands, Swansea, charges 50p for a small glass of tap water. By my guesstimate, thats £1.50p a pint! Surely some legislation is needed from Government on this matter. They have legislated on other matters in the past, that in my opinion were a total waste of parliamentary time.
Tina	A group of 8 of us had a booking at Café East Vietnamese restaurant in Surrey Quays, London. We had ordered drinks (tea, wine, juice, soft drinks) as well as our food when one of our party also asked for some tap water for the table. ‘We don’t sell tap water’ said the waiter. We told him we didn’t want to buy any; that, in fact, he should give us tap water for free. He just kept repeating the line ‘We don’t sell tap water’. We then asked to speak to the manager, who also repeated the line. We explained we had already ordered about £150 worth of food and drink, so we weren’t trying to dine on the cheap. He told us he’s ‘worked for Conran before’ so knew he should give us tap water but then said ‘This is my restaurant; I am the law’. We explained we weren’t trying to make a fuss, and he told us we could get water from the toilet if we wanted free water. When we explained we’d have to leave he said ‘go ahead’. We paid for the drinks we’d had and left. Needless to say we won’t be returning. If a restaurant can afford to give up £150 worth of custom (from locals likely to return again if the food/service was good) for the sake of £0.001 of water and 8 glasses to clean, then good luck to him. The restaurant a few streets away was more than happy to accept our business.
Katherine	Last evening myself and seven other girlfriends went to Cafe East, 100 Redriff Road, Surrey Quays Leisure Park SE16 7LH. On the menu were many drinks, some of which were very good. However, there was no water listed and, as the drinks on offer were very rich and sweet, we asked for some water. We were told that they do not offer water. Indeed, there was no bottled water on offer, so we asked for tap water. They refused to serve this to us at first. After much fuss, the manager then spoke to us and said we could have tap water, but would have to pay for it. We left immediately. Can a restaurant refuse to serve water at all?
Tony	We were refused tap water in Umbertos restaurant in Norwich last night. I queried it with the waitress when we paid and was told that it was 'not our policy' to serve it, and furthermore they had had many complaints over 18 years. I asked them why and was given the usual line about having to pay water rates, the work involved in serving it etc. The waitresses were clearly embarrassed at the situation but were obviously under instructions to maintain the policy. It's crazy to adopt this attitude, it puts the staff on the defensive and their service was poor as a result - I wasn't heavy handed with them, merely polite and somewhat puzzled. We won't be going back.
Chris	I am a member of staff at Sheffield Hallam University and I have just been to our main restaurant for a Christmas lunch. We asked for a jug of tap water and were told that the university does not have drinking water on tap and we would have to buy bottled water!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In addition, this University does not recycle glass bottles. I despair!
Mike	It is clear to me that 99% of those who ask for tap water in a restaurant are the type of people (not customers) who will penny pinch and use facilities including stealing the toilet rolls and soap. And to be honesty you don’t want these people coming back.
Angela	We’d always found the Beijing Palace in Gedney, Spalding a nice place to eat, so decided to hold my dad’s 60th birthday party there. We booked and paid for 23 people to eat, ordered wine for the table, accepted their terms of not having access to the full menu which was thrust upon us when everyone was sat down (although they refused to give a discount because if we weren’t there they would still be fully booked), experienced very slow service and then when we asked for some jugs of tap water, they didn’t say ‘no’ they just brought opened bottles of mineral water. When we told them we’d asked for tap water, we were told that they wouldn’t do it – despite us spending over £800. One thing for sure - that’ll be the last time they get my custom!
EF	Coach House Carvery, Gosport recently refused to give ma a glass of water. Four of us had a meal and had ordered several drinks. They demanded that I but a bottle of water for £1.00. I complained to the supervisor and, having claimed I needed the water to take medication I was grudgingly given a half full glass.
Emma	Last night I went to Dragon BBQ at Broadstreet Plaza, Birmingham for a friends birthday. There were 14 of us yet they refused to give us one glass of tap water. They did however sell us a glass of mineral water for £1.70. As the glass was larger than 500ml I asked what the mineral water was. They said they didn't know. I can only assume they are charging £1.70 for a glass of tap water.
Dawn	Having spent over £30 at the Camden Town Odeon on food, ice-cream and tickets, the staff refused me a glass of tap water.
Christopher	Having just eaten lunch at the oriental touch restaurant in Torquay we are disgusted we were refused water after having eaten a lunch there and drank a pint of and a half of lager. When asked why they said that chinese restaurants do this, well I have never eaten in a restaurant which does not serve water and find it disgusting.
James	I was recently refused tap water in a restaurant and yesterday was refused even a glass of tap water to take headache pills on a Ryanair flight from Shannon to Edinburgh. I thought this would be illegal but apparently I was mistaken. Legistlation to change this would be so popular as well as being in line with climate change targets (shipping of imported water has a big carbon footprint) that I can't see why your council wouldn't lobby Government for this?
Tony	Fish on the Harbour in Lynmouth Street, Lynmouth Devon refuse to give tap water despite placing food orders at the restaurant. Oh and by the way if you dare to dispute what food you actually ordered they go back and rewind their CCTV footage to read your lips!
James	I have just been to Café L’angelo, Angel House, 20-32 Pentonville Road, London N1. I purchased my sandwich as usual and requested a tap water, once I sat down, I then realised I had been charged 20p for the water, when I asked for them to confirm this they said yes, I requested a FREE refill and was told that it would be another 20p. I said I was disgusted, I can understand if I hadn’t bought anything but the thing is I go there 2 or 3 times a week, normally I get bottle but on this occasion I didn’t have enough. I shall not be returning.
Anon	I recently visited a restaurant of the So Asia mini-chain, who operate brances in Camberley, Slough and Acton (West London). I went in justifying the price I would pay for food against the assumed ability to order a jug of tap water for free. I was shocked to discover that, in fact, the restaurant charges 20p per glass and 50p per jug as a "service charge" for providing tap water, and relieved that I'd bothered to look in the drinks menu before ordering. Out of principle, I couldn't bring myself to order a glass of water. Being convinced there is a UK law stipulating that any premises serving food or drink must also provide tap water free of charge to any paying or non-paying customer, I searched the internet and was appalled to discover this is merely a commonly-held misconception. It's shameful that it is not obligatory for WATER to be provided for free to those who require it!
Alison	As an independent Bistro/Cafe owner in North Yorkshire, what do you think is the best policy on serving tap water? A jug of iced water plus glasses is readily given to customers who are buying main course food and other drinks. But we feel that some people just "take the mick", they order the cheapest food on the menu, ask for extra plates and share the food, ask for tap water, use a table for ages, use the toilet, and then ask to pay the (much less than £10) bill on a card. We feel insulted and ripped off by customers like this because we still have all the associated costs of serving the food and drink. What is the happy medium, so that neither party feels insulted or ripped off? We would welcome any suggestions. Thanks.
Jane	Feast India restaurant in Leicester refused one glass of tap water to a party. It was a false economy for them as we will not be eating there again.
Rizwana	When I asked for a glass of tap water in a Turkish restaurant (Kervan Sofrasi on Church Street, Edmonton) today, I was told they did not serve tap water. The feeble excuse given was that the food is very cheap and because there is no service charge on tap water, they did not serve it. In order to get a glass of tap water I would have to pay for it. The ludicrous thing about this particular restaurant is that they fill the table with complimentary bread, salad, and appetisers, which people may or may not eat, but refuse a glass of tap water – it is clearly not about cost. Having refused me one glass of water, the waiter dished out lollipops ‘on the house’ to our party of 10-12 at the end of the meal. My feeling is that if I am spending money on food and drink, the least I am entitled to is a glass of plain tap water (without ice or lemon) if I ask for it.
a thirsty customer.	Just wanted to moan about a restaurant in London. Alma's Pizzeria on borough high street. They offer free tap water but not at lunch time! perhaps they are charged more for water in the day time...? On request i was told no free tap water at lunch because "this is business and we already give enough away with our lunch tine special prices". Clearly his business sense is not up to scratch because the £1 he would have made today from the bottle of water will not cover the future loss of business from me and all my friends that i tell at my university around the corner. Perhaps restaurants should be encouraged to look at the financial benefits of providing free tap water rather than letting them sit on the idea that it costs theem 0.04p per glass to give us.
Maria	I work for a business selling refreshments from a hatch in a park and people continuously ask us for tap water but don't buy anything from us. I don't have a problem with people who buy other refreshments and ask for it, or if they provided us with their cups i would be happy to refill. But it is starting to get expensive on plastic cups. We give around 10 to 20 cups a day if it is hot weather and the council don't even provide toilet facilities in the park. I would like to know what our rights are about giving out water. I understand it is a good will and service gesture but people are exploiting the situation and citing laws at us and it would be useful to know our rights as a business. For those claiming free water, please bring your own cup, its better for the environment!
Anu Charles	I had a distressing experience that I had in one of the subway outlets in trafford center (near marks and spencer). I asked for tap water for my 5 year old child. But I was refused. the manager ridiculously claimed that he would be responsible if we got any "infections" from the tap water. Being a doctor myself, I know this to be utterly ridiculous. they havent considered the environmental impact of only having bottled water, and the risk of obesity if water is denied to customers. Needless to say I will not be frequenting their outlets ever again, with these outdated and rude policies.
Anon	I own a busy Cafe/ Bistro in the heart of London and to be quite honest this Tap water saga rather annoys me. Tap water is gladly given to customers that ask for it but when they order a soup for £3.20 and ask for a tap water with extra lemon and ice .. I find it completely out of order!.. I pay Water rates, electricity for the ice machine, wages for a kitchen porter and LEMONS!. I dine out very often .. and yes! I sometimes ask for a tap water but this after I have ordered 2 courses and a glass of wine.. I do think certain laws should be introduced in regard to this matter as many many people take advantage of this. I have now introduced a policy at my cafe that.. Tap water can be consumed but ice and lemon will not be.. Fair is Fair.
Zoe	I've had my own experience of being refused tap water today. First I was told that it was the manager's policy not to serve tap water, despite the fact that we spent over £7 on coffees, and despite the fact that my friend had already been given a glass of tap water with our first two hot drinks. When I stood my ground (firmly believing it to be my right, and that I had the law on my side), I was eventually very grudgingly given a small paper cup of tap water. Feeling utterly disgusted I left, and will never return. To all restaurants and cafes who don't offer free tap water - SHAME on you. And as for Ryan the restaurant owner below, have you actually calculated the cost of this penny-pinching attitude to lemons and ice? The more grudging you are about serving tap water, the fewer customers will return. Many of us now think drinking bottled water is morally wrong. If you deter these people from your door you may just be kissing good-bye to your future business, and at a time when restaurants are competing for survival, do you really want to be branded with being stingy? It should be a minimum legal requirement that all establishments where you spend money, be it on food or drinks, offer tap water for free and on request. Many well-run cafes (even in the West End of London) have jugs of water on the side from which you can help yourself (Apostrophe, for example). Bottled water has, according to The Times, 'been calculated to have a carbon footprint more than several hundred times bigger than tap water'. The more environmentally aware we are, the less truck we consumers should have with bad establishments like this. Oh, and the name of the cafe this morning was Bake & Cake, 350-352 Edgware Road, London W2 1EA. Not only do they not serve tap water, they are very rude about it too!
MT	Last night I went to a restaurant called Hong Kong Fusion on burleigh street in Cambridge where tap water listed in the menu at 40p. I didn't actually realise this until we received the bill. Then today at the Cafe Blue in the grad union the girl working here angrily refused to refill my water bottle (a request I made alongside ordering my tea) and told me to she couldn't be bothered and if I want tap water I should go get it myself from the toilets. Charming.
Kat Birch, Hebden Bridge	I visited the post office cafe in Downham nr Clitheroe at the weekend. It's a tiny place and the only cafe in the village. The food is basic, no frills (25p for a butter portion!) and cheap. The service is pretty poor and they have a 'plainly stated' policy not to serve tap water, even to those who have also made other purchases. I'm also pregnant - that didn't wash either!
F Georghiades	I very much support your campaign to get restaurants to provide tap water. In America you are automatically brought a jug with glasses the moment you sit down, why not here?
Anon	My friend and I went for a meal in Norwich at the Street Café in Magdalen Street last week, both had a meal, I had a hot chocolate and my friend a beer. I asked for a pint of tap water, no ice, please, and the waitress told me they weren't allowed to serve tap water as theirs is not drinking-water. We won't be going back there, as I don't drink bottled water and I'm now wondering whether my hot chocolate was made with water that isn't fit to drink, and the crockery and cutlery washed up in it, and what do they use to make tea or orange squash? This was not an issue about paying for the water, that didn't arise as they flatly refused to serve it. Luckily I have not suffered any ill effects. Strangely I live only a few hundred yards from the Street Café and they are actually nearer the City centre than me. My home supply is Anglian Water, of which Norwich's has won awards for being amongst the best drinking water in the country, so where does the Street Café source its water, and why?
Ryan	As a restaurant owner, I can see how the majority of people here are unhappy to pay for tap water and I can appreciate how they feel about awkward waiters and managers. However, from my point of view it seems fair that if customers come to eat out then they should be prepared to pay for what they are to either eat or drink. We always give tap water free of charge to customers that request, jugs are regularly topped up. And I would never dream of charging. That said, when customers come in and ONLY order tap water – it does make you slightly annoyed considering that… The water itself, is not free, the water board charge The glasses have been cleaned in a machine that uses electric, water and staff time The ice machine that chills the water, uses electric and water The waiter is not free, they demand an hourly fee for their time There is rent, rates, electric, heating etc.. for the dining room! Its just a little ‘heads up’ that though as a customer it would be unreasonable to pay for tap water, as a business where food does not make as much profit as drink, bear it in mind should you JUST want to have tap water! You wouldn’t go to a pub and sit at the bar with a friend and order 2 pints of tap water would you!
Derek	During a recent visit to Carlisle Cumbria , as a party of four we went to the Shanghai Shanghai Buffet restaurant in Botchergate Carlisle on the evening of 1st Nov; 5days ago. We had already bought drinks for everyone at the table but were refused a glass of water, the reason given by the manager quote '' It is company policy not to serve tap water to customers unless they are babies or have to take medicine''. I have always thought that it was law in England that they were obliged to serve tap water if asked to do so, can you clarify this? Normally I would have left the restaurant and gone somewhere else, but another restaurant rule clearly displayed stated that if you sit at a table you pay for the full meal whether or not you have eaten.
Shane	At the Robin 2 in Bilston Saturday 20 September 2008 I was shocked and disgusted to see a sign behind the bar declaring tap water at £1 a pint/50p a half pint. I did not buy any drink after that.
Simon	I visited an up market pub in Hastings on Wednesday 22nd October for lunch. It has a separate dining area. My Godson (11) wanted a glass of tap water but we were refused. We could be given a jug of water, but only if we were having wine with our meal which I knew we were not. We asked to speak to the manager, but had to wait a further 20 minutes without any update. The food was delivered, but no water for the child. We asked again, but 'no'. It seemed unfair to press our case with the waitress, who was, after all, just following orders. The manager arrived and I asked what conditions had to be satisfied for a glass of tap water to be given to a child. They would only serve tap water in case of medical need. I questioned the legality. There much talk of water meters etc. The manager grudgingly relented ‘on this occasion’ adding (as if for good measure) that it would not have ice or lemon in it (not that we had asked). We shall not return, nor will the neighboring table who were as appalled as we were. Apart from the obvious absurdity, it struck me how out of step this was, given the quest to decrease food miles and packaging… a challenge my Godson has a vested interest in and is taught at school. The brewer boasts a Queens Award for sustainable Development 2006 which was given for “...its innovative initiatives to reduce the brewery's environmental impact - conserving water, energy and other raw materials; and its significant contribution to the local community.” I have written to the brewer to encourage a change of policy and await their response. I will update you on their reply.
Tim & Rachel	Last Sunday -during our lunch at the Saints Bay Hotel Guernsey (which cost £80 ) , on requesting a jug of water I was informed that the hotel didn't serve tap water as they did not make enough money on the food, so needed to get their money back on the drinks ! After protesting to the manager, they finally brought me a bottle of water free of charge stating that if the other customers were to see us getting a jug for free , then they would all want one . Whaeras this was a satisfactory outcome for us , I was amazed that the hotel actually ended up losing money for providing us with a bottle of water free of charge ! We will not be going back after this amazing experience, so by trying to save a little on tap water , they have now lost our custom.
Babs	2 weeks ago my husband, mother & I visited the ‘Oriental Gourmet Buffet Chinese Restaurant’ in Rushden, Northamptonshire. The restaurant was packed, we were shown to a table, given a menu and asked for water. We were asked "still or sparkling"? We confirmed we wanted tap water and were told they "didn't sell tap water." We replied we did not wish to pay for it as we were ordering a meal. We were refused. We asked for the Manager who confirmed they did not "sell" tap water. The conversation went around in circles. He said he made his profit on drinks. I asked if he was refusing my 85 year old mother water and he said that on this one occasion we could have water without charge. My husband said we were not interested in his bottom line profit margin and nor in eating somewhere were it was obvious they felt they were doing us a favour. We left and return to our usual restaurant the 'Peking' a few doors away. Water was supplied with the menu, the service and meal were excellent. We will not be returning to the first restaurant and will pass our bad experience on to others!
Joe	On a recent visit to Bruges, we ordered a meal with wine at La Salade Folle. It had been a warm day and we'd been cycling, so we requested tap water. The waitress refused : "We don't serve tap water to customers". We should have walked out, but coming from Ireland, where tap water is routinely provided free of charge even in pubs, and often without asking in most restaurants and hotels, we had our meal. We asked to speak with the manager afterwards, but she wouldn't speak to us.
Claire	I'm living in Paris where it is seen as standard to provide a carafe of chilled water with a meal. And many cafes automatically serve a glass of tap water with your coffee, so that you can enjoy a strong espresso without fear of coffee breath. French restauranteurs are rightly horrified by the idea of drinking coke with a meal, because it spoils the taste - they want their customers to enjoy the food. A glass of water is essential to enjoyment of a meal, and to all those places in Britain trying to charge for "use of the glass" I would say this is no more justifiable than charging for use of the chair, napkin or knife and fork! I hope this campaign helps stamp out this worrying trend!
Helen	I am trying to arrange a birthday celebration at a hotel in south london and have been told that they do not serve jugs of water - only bottles. Considering that there will be a menu for a reasonable number of people, plus wine, beer and soft drinks ordered throughout the event I feel this is just greedy. There appear to be no other reason apart from making money to this policy. This may influence whether or not we use the venue so short sighted of them. They did say if someone wants a glass they can have it, but I can't think the waiting staff will be very pleased with that. In most of Europe the jug of water is brought to you without asking when you sit down in a restaurant.
Brian	The Bude Area Conservative Club charges 30p per pint for tap water. I refuse to pay and wander if it is legal to charge for tap water.
MB	I am delighted with Strada where you always get a bottle of chilled tap water put on your table. If you drink it, they happily bring you another one. I cannot think of a restaurant in Brighton or Hove where they don't bring tap water, if requested.
Marc	I live in Japan where every restaurant, eatery, diner, cafe etc. serves you a glass of water immediately when you sit down. If you want an alcoholic drink or a coke, juice etc., you simply order it with your food. Sounds simple? It is. In Ireland where I'm from, you HAVE to order a drink. Which system is better? I think you know my answer.
Richard	I live in finland and not only is the tap water delicious (with no taste of chlorine) but almost all restaurants will serve it free, actually if you ask for "water" that's what you'll get. I had to educate my finnish girlfriend that when eating out in the UK you must explicitly ask for TAP water - although due to the awful quality of it I'm not sure it's worth making a fuss about. The worst "tap" water we had was actually in a pub in wales near the Elan valley reservoirs and tasted awful. Also in the Isle of Wight we had a jug of water bought to the table and I could smell the chlorine just with the jug sitting on the table. In the UK you are ruled more by market forces than sense, and until restaurants and pubs lose enough business due to charging for tap water then you'll carry on paying ridiculous sums for something that comes out of a tap. Perhaps this web site might raise the issue enough to make a difference though.
David	I went for lunch at the windmill pub Hulme rd Denton Manchester , I asked for a jug of tap water and was told that I would have to buy bottled water instead I replied surely it was against the law to refuse drinking water, to which the answer came back only on medical grounds on when ill I did not labour the point but felt the need to register my disgust this pub is owned by MITCHELLS &BUTLERS BIRMINGHAM.
Anon	The Qube Bar and Restaurant at the Burntwood Hotel (Brierly) charges 40p for a small glass of tap water. At the same rate, this would cost £1.20 for a pint and more than £3.60 for a jug
Scottie	We went to Cathay Dim Sum in the Trafford centre, and were told that it is company policy to charge for tap water, even though we'd ordered a huge round of drinks. They were 50p each. As there were 10 of us - it would have cost us £5 for water! We walked out They said that a lot of the Chinese restaurants have the same policy I urge everyone to boycott this and every restaurant and pub that charges for tap water (though not to the exclusion of another paid for drink)
John	I believe that tap water should be readily available 'free' of charge in cafe's & restauraunts but I am sympathetic to the proprietors if the public abuse that provision. In many continental countries they have a cover charge, a small amount per person that pays for their use of a table, dishwashing and toilet facilities. Sometime it includes a bit more like bread and a dish of olives. This should become more widespread in the UK as it used to be in the 50's & 60's. Then by slightly reducing the amount on the items on their menu this charge can be offset to the genuine diners, whilst those who just want to drink tap water still pay for the 'service' they receive. In this way all should be happy.
Mitchells & Butlers	This matter has been addressed with the pub team and is not representative of company policy which states that tap water will be offered to customers free of charge.
Sarah	We recently had a bad experience trying to get tap water in Blackpool Tower. I asked for some at the bar / snack area within the children’s play area and was told the water was only fit for cleaning not drinking. They said other places within the Tower would supply some, but on asking, one employee told us she “didn’t think her tap was suitable” but after conferring with a colleague who (within earshot) said “yeah, it’ll be ok..” decided it was fine after all and served us. Not impressive – the staff were not well-informed or helpful.
Karen	Today for the first time I was charged for a jug of drinking water at a place that should really supply this free, we paid to go in a play area for children in our local town of Basingstoke and went to get my normal jug of water for my two boys, they do not drink the other drinks supply on sale i.e fruit shoots, coke and lemonade, slush puppies, the list goes on. My boys have been brought up on water. I was left in a position that if I did not buy this jug for 80p that my boys would go thirsty after paying £9.00 to get in the door, as some of you know, that if I had stood my ground and refused to pay I would not of got my money back for entering the place. So do I do the honourable thing and pay for something I know my children will need or upset them by taking them home, no - I paid for it. The manager did come over and try and explain I smiled because I was so mad, swearing at times like this only makes matters worst and you lower yourself to the standard they are expecting, oh and a classic thing was it was not listed anywhere that you have to pay for tap water and the cost, reason - there was not enough room on the price list - I just laughed out load shaking my head in discussed.
Norman	Visited the local Chinese restaurant recently and second page in to the menu booklet was: “We wish to inform you that Tap Water is unavailable at this establishment – Still and Sparkling mineral water is available upon request - Thank you” I haven’t got round to it yet but I fully intend to go back there and discuss this matter with the owner
Liz	my family had completed a 9 hour hike in the peak district, ending at The Ramblers Inn at Edale in Derbyshire. We ordered some alcoholic drinks and asked for tap water as it was a hot day and this pub proudly declares they welcome walkers with muddy boots etc etc - we were refused tap water and told it was against their policy.I thought there was a requirement for pubs and clubs to serve tap water on request?
Jack	I manage a restaurant and we charge for TAP WATER if no other chargeable drinks were ordered. It use to be free of charge until the water boards started to charge for collecting rain water falling onto business premises. The bill for water annually was around £900. The collection for water from our roof going back to the public system to be recycled costs £7560. Licenced premises like us have to make a living too. Perhaps if the water board companies such as Severn Trent Water would drop the collection of rain water charges then restaurants will not need to pass the cost back to consumers. Personally, I would not charge tap water if the the water board don't charge the collection for rain water.
Toby	Another Restaurant That Doesn't Do Tap Water is NC Rev (Oriental) 24a-26 High Street, Gravesend, Kent
ArchieWW	My wife and I always ask for tap water in restaurants and have never been charged for this. Mind you, we always have wine as well, so the restaurant make their profit on that.
Diane	On my recent hols in New Zealand every restaurant and café brought tap water to the table along with the menu – without even having to ask for it - wouldn’t it be great if this happened here too!
Peter	My local pub in Surrey Quays, London, charges for tap water – it’s ironically called the Moby Dick. I’ve even seem a family of six – complete with Granny – be charged for water when they’ve ordered a full meal. We have stopped going there in protest as it’s just wrong – and plain greedy on behalf of the pub owners.
Ann	My family and I were at an Indian restaurant last night, in Greenhalgh near Kirkham, and one of the party asked for a jug of water, to be told, "we do not serve tap water" and produced a bottled version. He asked again and was told a resounding and blank "NO". The staff were adamant they would not provide any tap water and would only serve a bottle - so they were told to keep it! We won't be going there again!
Marian G	I have never bought bottled water in a restaurant - or anywhere. As I am teetotal, I always ask for tap water in a confident manner, and have never been refused. I do, however, worry about what I will do if fluoride is added to our tap water as I am very concerned about being forced to drink it!
JW	Just over a year ago I went into a small cafe in Stockbridge, Hants with my husband, daughter and grandson and ordered a light meal for each of us. When I asked for a glass of tap water the waitress said that she could certainly let me have the water, but that they would have to make a charge "for the use of the glass". I was extremely annoyed at this, and under other circumstances I would have walked out, but my grandson was by then looking forward to his meal. Since they would have to wash up the plates and cups which we used, the extra washing and drying of one tumbler cannot possibly warrant the 25p I was charged. When I related this story to one of my sons, his reply was "Well, I hope that the glass accidentally got knocked off the table as you walked away." - I wish I had thought of that at the time.
Mike	One of the popular restaurants in my locality always charges for a jug of tap water [£1]. It arrives in a large glass jug, with ice [and lemon if not requested to be served without]. The tap water is of excellent drinking quality. Other restaurants in my locality do not charge for tap water. It raises the question about whether a restaurant can 'offset' the cost for the service of providing tap water and the necessary provision of the container, its cleaning, and replacement, the ice and the cost of the water. Or is it an expectation that it should be provided without charge?
Raj	I first suggested around Oct 2006 that CCW should more proactively promote tap water widely among water consumers. I am pleased to see the current progress and believe the promotion will help to reduce the world's carbon footprint at an important point in our history where our climate had already started to change in an uncertain way best illustrated by the recent floods in Gloucester. Also we should be doing more for many people in third world countries who do not have any access to any clean water. The landfill sites will have not have much room to store waste water bottles in few years time. Yesterday's Panorama programme showed the loss to bird life from plastic waste dumped on to beaches. Do hope the CCW carries on the good work thus started by educating the wider public and influencing commercial businesses on the benefits of using tapwater. How about a campaign for people to carry water in a reusable, recycled bottle for daily consumption? Some restaurants will always be persuaded by the commercial motive in encouraging sale of bottled mineral water at the expense of tap water.
John and Pat	We work in a Coffee House and we have never refused to bring tap water to the table. However, this week it has all gone mad. Since this campaign started we have been asked by every single table at lunch for tap water, often to the exclusion of the coffee we are supposed to be selling. I am not the owner but I still felt a bit cross. If we give away the water and don't sell our usual drinks then the coffee house will take a lot less money. If this goes on, I am sure that soon my husband and I will not have jobs and the coffee house will go out of business. OK, people want a glass of water, I often order that myself, but not to the exclusion of another drink. This campaign seems to have stirred up a ridiculous amount of totally unnecessary indignation. Most places have always given water on demand. Many give it as a matter of course. Tap water is not and never has been free any more than it is free to use the loo, flush it and wash your hands. Surely people are not naive enough to think that establishments won't recover their costs elsewhere, to everybody's disadvantage. It is a complimentary service. Ice, lemons, water, washing up and service all have to be paid for. If this campaign means people don't order other drinks, then many places will go out of business or jack up their prices accordingly. 'Free' tap water is an additional service, not meant to replace other drinks.
Susan W	It has always amazed me that people are prepared to pay for bottled water - how gullible (not to mention the environmental damage). In restaurants, I always ask for tap water, and it is always provided. However, I would much prefer tap water to be automatically brought to the table *without* having to specially request it, as is done in so many places overseas. The cost of this to the restaurant (washing the jug / glass) is surely covered by the meal price. Also (message to CCW) I am very disturbed about the prospect of compulsory fluoridation of tap water. Tap water in this country is great. Let's keep it that way, and provide fluoride separately to those who need it.
Susan	Full Marks to CCWater for promoting tap water. As well as restaurants, though, tap water should be freely available in places such as airports and exhibitions (eg at the NEC). In the former, since the heightened security measures, passengers have been forced to pay for bottled water. In the NEC, I've been told that the cafes in the exhibition halls do not have tap water, as there is no plumbing. Lack of plumbing doesn't prevent the installation of water containers, though. Shame on them for this profiteering. Regarding restaurants, I've never had any difficulty requesting tap water, and I don't feel uncomfortable asking for it.
Jeanette	I would like to see all public venues and all catering provide FREE tap water. Last year I was at a wedding in a castle and the catering was done in a large marquee. The wedding was at 1:00, and as the day progressed became hot and sunny (yes it did happen). There were staff serving drinks all day, but when I asked for tap water to drink, I was told by the bar staff that they were not allowed to serve tap water. BUT they could sell me a glass of mineral water (£1) or a litre bottle (£3). We did end up having to pay this for water; but were not happy. It seems it was easier to drink alcohol all day!!
T Snow	WHEN I WAS A LAD WE HAD DRINKING FOUNTAINS ALL ALONG THE PROMENADE AND TOWN IN SCARBOROUGH AND NO PLASTIC BOTTLES TO RECYCLE OR TRANSPORT, LETS GO GREEN. BRING BACK DRINKING FOUNTAINS
Vivienne	Hi - We are Farthings Restaurant in Southend on Sea, Essex. We have been trading for 25 years and have always supplied tap water (with ice) free of charge. I know we have to pay water rates, and it costs to serve and wash up the glasses but feel this is just part of the service. Get annoyed when we hear of other establishments charging high prices for tap water.
Ejay	My daughter drinks only water and i begruge paying a fortune for it. But i got to admit i've never had any problems with restaurants giving me tap water for free, as my daughter is quite vocal and proud in tell everyone that it is all she drinks and she likes it (not bad for an 8 years old). So i think that having a sign up stating that they serve tap water is pointless really,but if it helps people to ask for it, then ok i agree.because i do know some people are a bit embarrassed to ask for it.
Gene	Tap water in restaurants is never free, it may be complimentary but not free. The glass it comes in has to be bought, stored, washed and dried. The bartender has to fill it, the waiting staff have to bring it to your table. All these things have associated costs. Tap water may be clean and fit to drink but that does not make it tasty. I'd never willingly pay for overpriced wine in a restaurant but I am happy to pay for a bottle of sparkling water sans chlorine and fluoride, a large bottle of which will rarely cost more than a single glass of wine.
Anon	I would really like to see tap water free in ANY kind of public establishment, I cant believe that in supermarkets and restaurants you can now find water from all over the world!!! what i would like to know is do the superficial people buying it for anything up to a ridiculus £30 a bottle stop to think about what damage has been done to the enviroment to get that water to the uk and onto thier table. plus who would waste a well earned £30 on water when a lovely bottle of bubbly with your desert would be the same price!!!!
Patricia	I have never had difficulty getting a pint of tap water with ice & slice at any weatherspoons, also my local eatery near bressingham will give you a large jug of tap water with ice & slice, there are several charity boxes on the counter, what is easier that popping in some change. Why can't all bars, cafes & restaurants adopt this proceedure.
Nick	Did you know that you would get more than two thousand litres of tap water for the price of one small high street cappuccino? It really is such a cost effective piece of customer service for any trader. Caffe Nero is excellent at providing their customers with fresh, chilled tap water in jugs, and they are placed along with the condiments. I gather their managers are expected to have this available for customers at all times and it is just seen as part of their ‘coffee experience’. Costa coffee are generally very good at making it part of the experience too, but you do have to ask the staff. I am sure their owners, Whitbreads, can make this happen so its more customer friendly. Starbucks are starting to do it, and Pret a Manger will do it if not too busy. The Laurel pub group (Slug and Lettuce, La Tasca etc.) are already looking at it and even McDonalds have advised that tap water should be available in all their UK restaurants on request. If we all push together, and just support the people that do serve tap water, this will happen.
Michael	Water should of course be free in restaurants and as it is simply a part of the running costs for which I pay anyway. Or do we also have to pay extra for the use of tables and chairs in the future. But maybe some greedy company is already thinking about this. I do believe though that people that had their booze at home or elsewhere and then sit a the bar or a table for a longer period (~ 30 - 60 min +) drinking tap water without a purchase should be asked to pay a small fee or to leave.
Tim	always have tap water in restaurants, along with wine never had a problem with it - if ever I did not I would simply not eat there again
Denise	Strada, which has just opened up in the Hub in Milton Keynes serves a complimentary bottle of filtered tap water as you sit down at your table. Good for them.
P. Manson	Like the other people who have written, I too would appreciate free water in cafes and restaurants. I have to take medication and aim to remember to take my own bottle of water with me. This, of course, is not favourite, I would much rather be drinking my water from a glass and not furtively slurping it from my bottle. And there are many times when I forget to take my own water. There are also places which used to give water free and have now stopped doing so. So it would be wonderful if we could have free water wherever we went. IF there has to be a charge for a glass of water, surely it could be just a small one?? Thanks for your efforts.
Karen	I agree with earlier comment that in the US it is part of the service in a restaurant to get a glass of ice water, even the pretty lowly cafeteria style ones used to provide water. As part of my job I often have to arrange workshops and events and it’s a real struggle to get venues to provide tap water. Sometimes its possible and they do charge but as its part of the catering costs I understand but the venues that claim they can’t provide it don’t get my business.
Anon	AMT coffee stand at Oxford Railway Station were very obliging when I requested tap water.
Orenda	Thanks for the campaign. Just yesterday I went to a small restaurant in London for lunch. Being a bit tired I didn't pay much attention to the amount I was asked to pay (I paid at the counter before sitting down). I said I would like tap water, please. I was brought a bottle and when I expressed surprise was sort of mumbled at and told 'it's okay'. I thought maybe there was a problem with their tap water or something. On my way out I took a look at the menu and realised they had charged me for a bottle of water even though I had asked for tap water! So of course I will never go to that restaurant again.
Caroline	The USA have it right, I have experienced free water and ice on every restaurant table I have dined in, something in the US that is not really discussed because it is the norm to do this, as drinking water clears the pallet after every course or bite....Anyway why should customers pay for water? Ridiculous, after all we don't pay to flush the toilet in restaurants every time we use them now do we????
Merilyn	I believe that every restaurant, pub etc should supply tap water to drink, and it should be either free or VERY cheap. Whether you are on a meter or not there is a charge for the water coming out of the tap. However, the minimal amount that would be consumed by drinkers will make very little difference to the total used by such establishments, and the calculation will give you a tiny fraction of a penny cost! A glass is about .0005 cubic meters, and a cubic meter of water is actually very cheap. I compare it to getting a bone from the butcher for my dog - he charges 10 - 15p for a whole marrow bone, which I guess covers his time to cut it in half and bag it. A glass (or even a jug and 4 glasses plonked on the table) can't take much longer! So let's say no more than 10p per glass of 50 a jug. How's that?! It costs more to make ice and they don't charge for that.
Andrew	I am shocked at restaurants charging for tap water. We have a lovely local Thai restaurant which has started charging £1.00 for a jug – why??? I suppose they do it as a deterrent and want you to spend on expensive mineral water. Which is environmentally a complete nightmare – the amount of energy which goes to source, bottle and transport this water is astronomical. I can’t think why any one would want to buy water. If a restaurant charges for water, express your view politely to the manager and if you get negative feedback, then simply vote with your feet.
Bob	I am a publican and sell drink and food. Over half of what you pay for is for staff, rent, rates, ect. and we expect our customers to contribute to our cost. If you want to drink free water, fine, most of my colleagues are happy to do that but what we are upset about is that you are not contributing while you are sitting on our furniture in our heated restaurants using our glasses and our staff to serve you. And if you want free water at home ask the water company to cut your bill and see how far you get, or next time you go to the supermarket why not ask for a glass for your below cost wine or can of cheap beer, also a chair to sit on and someone to pour it for you and clean up after you and see what their staff have to say.
Mike	For years I have asked for "a jug of tap water" - a lot of surprised looks, but never a refusal (crossed fingers!)
Mel	A friend an I regularly lunch at a restaurant where we are charged 50p for a jug of tap water. When another customer queried this they were told that everybody has to pay water rates and therefore customers should not expect free tap water. If this was the only drink ordered with a meal I could understand the charge, but we always order other beverages with the meal, so it does seem very unfair.
Anon	Buying water is a waste of money and not environmentally friendly. Stick to tap water. If you ask the majority of restuarants are happy to supply a jug of tap water.
Jackie	Thank you for bringing this subject up. I always like a glass or two or wine and trying to be sensible, like to have equal amounts of tap water. I find in my area the only places not willing to give tap water are some the chinese restaurants, they say they will supply a jug of water at a price, but in these cases I cancel the wine order and ask for a bottle of sparkling water with the lid unopened, then make sure I do not visit that restaurant again. There is nothing wrong with the water in this country and God knows we already pay enouth for it with water rates, so if you want still water - get it from the tap!
Siobhan	I think it is so important that tap water is available in all restaurants and eating outlets. Bottled water is a complete waste of money and wasteful in relation to the environment. I always ask for tap water when I am eating out and think it’s a basic right that free water should be available in all establishments.
Saifuddin	Thanks for working on this issue. It would be good to have an option in a restaurant for water, better still, if fast food restaurants are included. I am sure they might be serving tap water upon request, but it doesn't feel good to order one or argue for one unless it is advertised. Water taken from tap in most cases is as good to drink as bottled water. I always go for it whenever I get a chance.
Marcus	Buying bottled water is both a terrible waste of money and energy - when it's vastly cheaper to use it from the tap and it's perfectly, almost cast-iron, safe. I cannot understand why people pay for bottles when, on the go, they can fill at home. My tapwater has sometimes tasted chlorinated - but the answer to that is a filter jug - still vastly cheaper than bottled.
Helen	At a hotel in Buxton the other day we had bottled water supplied at the table, it was a meal paid for by the company my husband works for, but I was shocked to see that the water at the table was from Harrogate. I asked the waiter why they didn't support local business and have Buxton water....his reply....Buxton only sell water in plastic bottles and this spoils the look of the table, we will only have glass on the table, so we use Harrogate water ! I thought this was just mad, all that extra milegage getting it from Harrogate to the table, when the Buxton spring was meters away!
Gill	Up until a couple of years ago I always drank bottled water when eating out and then decided it was ridiculous as I’m perfectly happy to drink tap water at home so now make a point of always asking for a jug of water with a meal, as well as wine or whatever, and have never had any problem whatsoever, although I do sometimes have to nicely remind the waiter/waitress. Not sure a campaign as such is really necessary.
Cathy	I applaud this campaign and wholeheartedly support it. I don’t think I’ve ever been refused free tap water in a restaurant, but if I was, I would be outraged. What’s more, I think it’s about time we all reverted to drinking tap water, which in this country is perfectly acceptable in my experience, and stop all the ridiculous snobbery about bottled water. A campaign that put pressure on restaurants to offer free water rather then pushing for a sale of expensive bottled water would clearly help a identify those restaurateurs who are not out to fleece us – and I’d much rather eat somewhere like that. I sometimes wonder if restaurant staff think I’m it of a cheapskate for asking for tap water and it would be nice to move on from that sort of stupid social embarrassment. We’re so lucky to have good quality water in this country, why on earth have we been fooled into thinking we need to import costly bottled water from overseas? Good luck with this campaign!
Kathryn	I believe that restaurants are obliged to provide free tap water under a law passed in Gladstones time....although I have not as yet found the Act. It was to promote Temperance.
Oliver	Having spent some time in New Zealand, I am impressed that over there you are routinely given a bottle of chilled water before you even order! The market for overpriced bottled water is somewhat diminished, but at least you feel you are getting a great service and are more likely to leave a tip!
Sharon	I think this is a fantastic idea. I rarely drink anything other than tap water, so why do I always feel so guilty when asking for tap water in a restaurant? My children both prefer water, or orange squash (made with tap water, obviously…) When I was in Burger King recently, I started coughing and asked for some tap water – they refused even though I had tears running down my cheeks, as I struggled to stop coughing!!! They did offer to sell me a bottle of water; however I decided to buy a coke instead as that was cheaper!!!! Apparently, they don’t “do” tap water!!!!
Gareth	I find it extremely difficult when out and about to find restaurants that serves tap water. I usually find family friendly ones more obliging than the slightly up market ones, who usually look down their noses at you when you specify tap water. I think a sticker in the window that clearly identifies premises that are happy to provide free drinking water with dinner will be more likely to get my business. I have no problem paying for wine, beer, apple juice etc. Motorway services also tend to push the price of water up, when the temperature rises. 2 years ago it was cheaper to by fizzy drinks than water!
Val	I am pregnant with my third child and have been out to several restaurants lately and requested tap water in as according to the government’s advice we should not be drinking alcohol whilst pregnant. Some of the restaurants have brought me a jug of water and not charged, others have charged me for it and one refused saying they could only serve me bottled water as they did not have a tap that was specifically for drinking, yet they supplied my colleagues with ice in their drinks that they made from tap water. It would be nice to have a sign on the restaurants to say “tap water friendly” as I don’t even mind having to pay for the tap water as everywhere including your house is charged for the supply, so long as it’s not an extortionate amount like some places seem to want to charge for it as they don’t have to store it or get it delivered like bottled water. I like the idea of some of the cost going towards charity for developing countries. Plus if we manage to get fluoride in the water then it would be even healthier to drink.
Jani	I often travel to Greece where tap water is brought to you automatically as soon as you sit down in any cafe or restaurant. It is totally free. Bottled water is a s cheap as chips over there but there is never a problem asking for tap water. It should be the same everywhere in this country. It is our right to be able to get tap water in airports, cafes, ferries etc. It is SUCH a rip off making us buy overpriced bottled water. I think signs in restaurants offering tap water would be excellent, but how about a law.
Chris	I have had cancer and due to radiation treatment lost saliva glands and I do not drink alcohol at all now. I do ask for tap water when I go to restaurants and bars. I have only been refused once or twice and told they only serve bottle water this has been in a bar I have never been charged for tap water in the U.K. For me this is great news I sip on average 2 ltr a day and take tap water out with me in a bottle as I see no reason to buy over priced products. Abroad the cost of bottled water is not so high I do purchase this as at time tap water is not as good quality as in the U.K. So let bring on the free tap water for all and stop being snobbish about water. Its natural. I have found that when in restaurants with other and I ask for water others at the table also seem then to have some so must be a plus side to it all.
Liz	Personally, I like the European approach, which is to bring a jug of tap water and glasses, ice (etc) to your table as soon as you sit down, without being asked. It reflects their whole approach to customer service. I don't understand why some cafes and restaurants take such a resentful and penny-pinching view. In my view, any public or commercial entity should have to provide tap water upon request - it should be common courtesy. And if it's not, then it should be the law.
Samantha	Great campaign, I alwys try to ask for tap water and most are accomodating, but not enough!! So much more environmentally friendly as saves packaging and transport costs. OUr water standards are so high now, lets make the most of it!!
Beryl & Gabi	We always ask for a jug of tapwater and whilst no restaurant has refused this request some refuse to give a jug and will only supply a glass of water to each person. We always explain that as we tend to drink more than this amount we would like a jug. This is seldom refused but if it is, it is always accompanied by the promise to refill our glass when required. We have no compunction about asking for refills in this instance but of course it is not always easy to catch the waiter's eye!
Lynn	I noted with interest the comment from a bar owner that he charges for water as his staff have to wash up the glass it comes in. I wonder if the tips on these occasions were lower. I’m absolutely certain from my own experience that a satisfied customer will give a bigger tip – over and above the cost of washing up a glass! I recently told a customer of mine (I’m a dressmaker) that there was no charge for mending a zip for her (it had been a 2 minute job which in conscience I could not charge for). She insisted on giving me ‘something’ - £10 – well over my minimum charge. She has since recommended me to other customers.
Jackie	We were walking on the lovely North Yorkshire Moors and ended up in Goathland - where they film ITV's Heartbeat. We went into the pub featured in the series ('The Aidensfield Arms') and ordered a few pints of beer and also asked for three pints of water, as it was a boiling hot day and we were parched. We were then charged 30p each for each glass of water (with one ice cube in each). When this was politely queried we were told it was for 'the hire of the glass, not the water'. After some discussion with the bar staff we voted with our feet, did an about turn and left the pub without even paying for the beer. If we had not ordered any other drinks, the 'glass hire' argument may have worked but we think they were just cashing in on the popularity of the place. Keep up the campaign.
Rochelle	I can't remember the last time I was refused a jug of tap water when I asked for it. However one restaurant in Liverpool we go to has a notice on the table saying that there is a charge of 50p for a jug of tap water which goes to a charity abroad to provide clean water for the 3rd World country. The details of the charity are there for all to see and I am quite willing to pay this charge. Abroad I am often given a jug of tap water as soon as I sit down for a meal. The only place recently I have drunk only bottled water was in India however I have to admit I did eat salads at the hotel I was staying at and didn't get ill!!!
Chad	I am a fairly assertive person and have never had a problem with getting tap water in restaurants, although occasionally attempts have been made to charge for it. On one memorable occasion in London I enjoyed a "robust" discussion with a restaurant manager who tried to claim that tap water is "always" charged the same as bottled. Of course I refused to pay the tariff and immediately notified Trading Standards. There are too many other good restaurants around to patronise such establishments.
Jenny & Russell	It is a great relief to find some common sense returning with regard to tap water versus bottled. My husband and I have always ordered tap water in restaurants because we feel it is foolish to pay pounds for something that is available for free but often feel like cheapskates instead! Now we happily order it knowing it is so much better for the environment too.
Stephen	We had been using a local eat all you can restaurant which provided jugs of tap water free of charge, however leading up to Christmas season they decided to charge 50 pence per glass per person, the waiter did point out that this charge included free fill ups-how generous. We had taken our homeless clients there for a Christmas treat, as it seemed miserly not to have a drink with the meals we reluctantly had to go for the water option. How much does this price compare with the price of petrol ? Needless to say we wont be going there again in the " Season Of Goodwill"
Maurice	I have never experienced a problem - and, yes, it often comes with ice and slice! But given that everyone seems out to squeeze evry last penny out of consumers, I can foresee more and more outlets starting to charge, just as many charge 'corkage' for BYO wine. This should be resisted! As far as I know airlines are required to provide free tap water, and the same should apply to bars and restaurants.
Steve	My wife went in to a Chinese in Bristol asked for Tap water and was charged the same as bottled water. If she wasn’t being “treated she would have walked out. We wont go there again
Eric	I was pleased to find that the Royal Academy's quite pricey and busy cafeteria provides jugs of free, iced tap water. If it is good enough for Britain's top art establishment, then every restaurant should do the same. Later that day, Chez Gerard, a chain restaurant in Covent Garden, charged me the same for a bottle of water as they did for my glass of decent wine! I wish I had ordered two glasses of wine! I support your campaign -- bring on the window stickers and shame the rip-off restaurants.
Tirma	I hate when I'm forced to pay for bottled water in a place where tap water is perfectly drinkable. I also take an empty bottle with me through airports and sometimes I even take a bottle to restaurants where I know they won't serve tap water. I discretely fill up my glass with it! I could understand a small fee for serving tap water, but based on real figures (how much does it really cost the water and washing the glass/jugs?) and I like the idea of charity donation for water projects in developing countries. But the price of bottled water is outrageous! Besides, bottled water is much more resource intense and generates tons of waste that tap water doesn't. I'm against bottled water as a general rule.
Sandra	My friend and i meet in Barkinside for swimming and use the cafeteria and we have never been charged for tap water, the same goes for two other restuarants in the high roadrefused. I live in Hornchurch and again have never been refused or charged for tap water
Veronica	I support your campaign for tap water in restaurants. My experience is very varied with some being happy to supply it and others being resentful. Making it obligatory to supply tap water at the table in the same way that restaurants must provide toilet facilities would make a lot of sense environmentally.
Diane	Bobby's pure veg Indian restaurant in MacDonald Rd, off Belgrave Rd, Leicester, bring a jug of tap water [free]. Also Costa coffee in Waterstones, Lincoln [Corn Exchange] have free tap water available, one just helps oneself.
Don	I say every power to your efforts. Here in Leeds and also near Oxford I have visited well known Pub Chains who make a big issue of serving food and encourage families with youngsters. To date I have come across three that refused to provide tap water with the meal. Two that wanted to charge 50p a glass and another that actually would only take a food order after we had purchased drinks from the bar! Needless to say none of these have been patronised again either by us or friends to whom we have relaid our experience.
Martin	we went into subway Luton and asked for tap water and was told that it was not available, I thought it was law to provide tap water as a drink in restrants ?
Elizabeth	I have never paid for water in a restaurant and never would – I always ask for a jug of water when we place the order for food – not at the drinks stage. Nine times out of ten they even add ice and lemon. I do not see why when we have such wonderful water that we should have to buy bottled water. I rarely go anywhere without a bottle of tap water and it really grieves me if I run out and have no option but to buy some. At that point I choose the cheapest I can find and would never buy top of the range.
Eva	Last year some friends took us for dinner to a pub called the Red Lion near their home in Kingston Bagpuize, South Oxfordshire. On our second round of drinks, having ordered dinner, my friend and I requested some water, plus drinks for the guys, who were told our water was not free. My glass cost 50 pence, hers (a pint of water) an unbelievable pound!! I was so incensed this incident spoiled my pleasure at being there and although the food was good, I would not return. I was told this was the manager's policy, and because they charge reasonable food prices they couldn't give free water. I say: absolute rubbish customer service, very short sighted!
David	What a non starter, i am currently a public house and restaurant owner,and i will not serve tap water,i will gladly charge for it. My overheads are increasing at an amazing pace,electric, water and gas prices up 50%,minimum wage at an all time high,beer prices up another 5.7% before budget increases. It still costs to serve a glass of tap water,staff serving it,glass being washed,if people dont have the means to enter a restaurant or bar to pay for bottled water then stay at home and drink as much water as they want. Our premises are 1600 coaching inn and we still have cast iron water pipes running through the premises,and if you could see the black gunge from these pipes which clogs at the end of my taps,you may well not to want to drink tap water ever again
Phil	I prefer tap water to bottled, but I have never encountered any problems getting it in pubs or restaurants…
Mim	Great idea, I totally support this.
Heather	I support a group of people with learning disabilities to socialise within the community and we often go out for meals. One of the places we used to go is Yum Yum, a Chinese restaurant in the Printworks in the centre of Manchester. The manager insists on everyone paying for tap water because he says that they themselves have to pay for it! Personally I believe this is just an excuse to get people to spend more on other drinks at the bar. Consequently I go without a drink every time we visit (not so often now!). There is also a charge of the buffet price of approx £8.50 for every person seated whether eating or not!!
Jane	Like Diane, I drink tap water almost exclusively. At UK airports I've been able to get empty bottles filled at one of the cafes although I agree it feels a bit cheeky - I have used the excuse of needing to take some medication. However it's difficult/impossible at foriegn locations so I'v e had to buy water. Fortunately the prices are less excorbitant than at home. As far as restaurants are concerned I've noticed an improvement in the availibility of tap water and most places seem happy to comply. Certainly in these environmentally aware days it makes sense. I have once been charged for tap water but, because we were in a hurry, didn't make a fuss. I certainly would have otherwise. The restaurant have paid for this attitude as we haven't returned to it.
Diane	I fly out of various UK airports in the course of doing my job, over a dozen times a year. Since the "liquid ban" through Security, I can no longer take through my usual bottle of fresh tap water from home. I use my voice a lot in my work so need to carry water around with me. (I prefer to drink tap water to bottled mineral water, and water just happens to be my favourite drink.) So when the ban started, I took through an empty water bottle, expecting to fill it up after Security. However, this has been proving difficult. I don't know if it is my imagination, but in many of the airports I use, there no longer appears to be a cold water tap anywhere in the public spaces (usually the wash basins area) when before there was. The Airports seem to have taken advantage of this liquid ban issue, to increase their profits by "forcing" people to buy their bottled water instead. In overseas airports, all over the world, I have never found this problem, and the best ones even provide water fountains placed around the airport at regular intervals.
Diane	At Birmingham Airport, I spoke to a manager, to ask where the water fountain was (knowing full well there wasn't one, because I'd already searched all over, and also for a cold water tap), and after some consultation with colleagues, was informed that there wasn't one, but to maybe try asking at the food outlets if they would fill my bottle. That has worked out fine when the airport has not been busy, but it feels awkward, like I'm begging. Also it wouldn't be a practical solution if suddenly everyone decided to do the same thing. I have no reservations in requesting water...there's a principle at stake here for me... but I think most folk wouldn't be bothered with the hassle and would give in to the money making racket. We also worry about our dwindling oil reserves, so why are we wasting it to make unnecessary plastic bottles to store "mineral" water in, which then also comes with a sell by date, water that's already been underground for the last several millions of years. Ridiculous.
Anon	One of the worst places to get drinking water we have found is on board north Sea ferries (both P&O and DFDS). There is no drinking water available on board except very expensive bottled water - not good when you are confined there overnight not just for the duration odf a meal. I was charged as much for a small glass of water as for the shot of whisky it accompanied. We always make sure we take our own drinking water with us.
Rosemary	I just want to say that I think that it should be obligatory for restaurants to supply tap water. I believe this to be environmental friendly and healthy. In the past we have been forced to buy bottled water at great cost. Restaurants just see the supply of water as a way of increasing their profits.
Amy E	I think it is a brilliant idea to have stickers in restaurants and popularize tap water drinking and am fully behind the campaign. People are embarrassed about asking for it becuase waiting staff make you feel cheap. I used to work in pizza express and all the waiting staff wanted people to buy more things so there 10% cut is more. i used to encourage tap water drinking to my customers!
Karen	I think it's a great idea. Not only is it cheaper than bottled water, but it is also a great idea because it helps to save the environment - there is no packaging that needs to be disposed of afterwards. Bring it on!
Andi	My Wife asked for tap water for my two children from Charlotte's Ice Cream Parlour, Near Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. She was asked for 50p to pay for it. She refused citing that tap water should be free. The proprietor then told my Wife that their tap water wasn't fit to drink. My wife stood her ground and got around ten tablespoons of water in return. I do think that all people should be alerted to the free tap water campaign... We spend about £15 at the place, but, are unlikely to go back.
Claire	I this is a fab idea, I always ask for tap water but everyone else I know seems to be embrassed about it. I wholly support Tap Water !
JK	Yes, Please can tap water be free! IT is the freeist commodity known to man but we are charged rediculously for it Sharing ones dinner with wine and water may help reduce alcholism in the UK as well as help us to remain fitter - in the long run: The government will save money!!
Subs	I have worked in a number of very upmarket country house hotels where we offered iced tap water as a matter of course. Sometimes with lemon peel added. Guests, who were well able to pay for bottled water rarely ever asked for it, being perfectly happy with the water we served them. Personally I never drink the bottled stuff. Being in that plastic can't be good.
Terry	I may be wrong, but as a retired hotelier and restaurateur, I was always lead to believe that, by law, an innkeeper cannot refuse a traveller free water even if they do not spend any money at the establishment. This is probably an old law, but I do not think it has been repealed.
D	As a rule, I’ll always ask for a jug of tap water to be brought to the table when I’m having a meal at a restaurant. From my experience the waiter or waitress, who certainly isn’t earning a fortune, is only too happy to oblige. I would say most people don’t eat out in the kind of restaurant where you’d be sneered at for asking for tap water and definitely encourage everyone not to feel railroaded into buying a product that they can have for free – without the knock on environmental impact.
Leftheris	I believe tap water should be offered in any establishment that serves food or drink. It should be free, and obviously up to the management whether they allow people to order only tap water. Forcing people to pay for bottled water is not fair, especially if they are paying for other products. It also helps the environment, as plastic/glass bottles are not wasted for overpriced and often dubious quality water.
Jacqui	What a brilliant idea! I would wholeheartedly endorse this kind of campaign to stop restaurants who only serve bottled water - and charging through the nose for it - making customers who ask for tap water feel like second class citizens. If I find a restaurant who doesn't provide tap water on request I would not go there again. As other people have said, on the continent you usually get tap water served up without even asking - it is so refreshing to find a restaurant in England who does the same. Good luck and I hope it turns things around.
David	You are right to raise this issue in relation to restaurants. However, it is even more urgent to ask why the drinking fountains and cold water taps in railway stations and other public areas are disappearing. In North America, the operators of transport facilities, shopping malls and so forth are legally obliged to provide drinking fountains. I think that we need some such provision here. And I think it is disgraceful that after paying a fortune for the ticket for a long train journey we are expected to pay even more to drink water, even at stations where our journey begins or ends (or where we change trains.
Jim	I Have drank tap water for many year and children find eating far easier when accompanied by water. As a public health engineer we tested water from all over London and found it to be at least equal and normally better quality that bottled water.
J. Godfrey	I was in a local cafe at Moulsham Street in Chelmsford a couple of years ago and asked for a glass of tap water. The mean owner behind the bar said to the waitress: "take a bottle of mineral water over to the table, undo it in front of them and pour it into a glass", which she duly did. The thing was, we only had enough money for the food which had already been ordered, so because the mineral water was £1.99, I had to change the food order so that it wasn't so expensive. It had been a little treat out for my daughter and the owner's stingy attitude meant that it was a bit of a stressful experience in the end. I would have been quite happy with tap water and it's what I drink at home. I have never been to that cafe since and won't go again.
Pen.L	A small local cafe in Liskeard ,The Fat Frog, willingly serveda large glass of sparkling water,with ice, with our coffee. I have experienced warm water in a glass tasting of whatever was in the glass before in some places, but have never had a stomach upset. I frequently ask for a drink of water and have only once had to buy bottled. No one should be denied a drink of water anywhere whether they are buying something or not, it is common humanity. We are lucky we have it to give.
Gabrielle	Our favourite local restaurant serves tap water and doesn't charge but adds 15p donation to a clean drinking water charity to your bill (projects in developing world to bring clean water to those communities without). There are details in the menu about the charity (including registered charity number etc) and regularly updated info on how much has been raised. We think this is a great idea and would love more eateries to adopt this policy.
Anon	I have had mixed experiences. Some places will serve it if you ask. Others charge for it. Others refuse because they sell highly expensive bottled water. I think it should be available everywhere. I much prefer our local tap water to any bottled water. Considering the health benefits of being correctly hydrated, more power to your campaign!!
Alison	I never have a problem ordering tap water. In most restaurants across the channel a jug of tap water is provided free of charge as a matter of course. Unless mineral water has been specifically requested by the customer I don’t see why we cannot follow this example.
Mel	My partner's daughter has always been one of those rare children who prefer water to fizzy drinks. She also doesn't like the taste of most bottled waters. It has often been difficult in restaurants when we have asked for tap water for her with the serving staff making assumptions that we are plain mean and encouraging her to have a coke instead! I always ask for tap water and, in fairness usually get it, but more often than not it's the attitude of the staff that makes us feel uncomfortable. I think this would be a great campaign. The waste of resources associated with bottled water is criminal and consumers need to think about why they feel the necessity to buy it. Restaurants making it clear that tap water is available might help with that.
Glen	I always ask for tap water in restaurants, with the excellent exception of Bordeaux Quay in Bristol where they serve complimentary spring water from their own source. Water should be piped not freighted,
Roger	Great idea, its high time that this rip-off was exposed for what it is. I always remind folks that insist on using Evian bottled water that it proclaims loudly and clearly in the name on the label that users are naïve, (Evian in reverse) and this applies to all users of bottled and to some extent filtered water. There are clearly some exceptions where it is both convenient and acceptable to use bottled water and that applies to sports events such as Marathon runners and where the water is unsafe such as in remote parts of the countru and some counties abroad, but the general rule is Tap water where possible. If you must filter to remove the Chlorine taste then you must appreciate that the keeping quality of the water is diminished and then it needs to be refrigerated to maintain its drinkable condition, what a waste of resource, filters, carbon and energy.
Fiona	I always ask for tap water in restaurants and refuse to accept bottled water. I’d rather buy a soft drink and it’s probably cheaper. My only unusual experience with tap water was in a restaurant on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The water in the jug was light brown due to the peat on the island and it certainly had a distinctive taste but if tap water is good enough to use in food preparation it’s good enough to drink. Bottled water in this country is totally unnecessary and a complete a rip-off. I’m amazed that people are actually prepared to pay for it. We live near Elsenham in Essex where water from an underground aquifer is sold, very exclusively, for £30 a bottle!!
Andrew	Tap water is fine, providing you remove the chlorine from it prior to drinking
Caroline	We NEED this campaign! I recently walked out of 3 restaurants in a row because they refused to serve me free tap water and wanted me to pay up to £3 for a bottle of water! It makes me so angry that we are forced to pay for something that could come out of their taps for hardly any cost. I bet they don’t even think of the environmental implications on them buying in bottles of water. Yes they are making money from it but think of all the energy wasted in the whole process of bringing us this water when they could provide comparatively green (hopefully not literally!) water from the tap!
Angi	The Strada chain bring you lovely bottles of free filtered tap without you even having to ask for it so a big thumbs-up to them! A Chinese restaurant in Brighton I used to go to actually had a written notice on each table saying they would only supply customers with bottled water , so I stopped going there (and it's closed down now, ha ha!). I'd willingly donate to a clean water charity each time I am served tap water, having seen women in Kenya and Tanzania walking literally miles twice a day with heavy buckets simply to get clean water - in the 21st century...Good luck with this campaign and let's exert some consumer power NOW to get rid of this iniquitous practice in our cafes and restaurants.
M Bennett	My husband and I recently spent a weekend in Paris and found that, despite even the smallest restaurants having several bottled waters on the menu, we were always offered tap water - generally a jug or carafe was brought to the table without us even asking (just as well given the poor French we both speak!)
Bryan	Many congratulations on your campaign! Just seen Jenny's comment about Birmingham water - I'm glad she tried it, tests show that it's consistently purer and better than any mineral water (it comes from the Elan Valley in Wales). We're getting married in August, and the hotel wanted £5 for a bottle of water to put onto each table. We flatly refused and they are now providing jugs of water for free, saving over £100! We moan at £1 a litre for petrol, but the £5 was for 75cl, making a litre of water over £6! Completely ridiculous, and I really don't know why we've put up with this for so long. Just like the Emperor's Clothes - the manufacturers have been running all the way to the bank for far too long (possibly on the petrol they once found in Perrier!). A hero of the hour has to be the Hippodrome Theatre in Birmingham. Last time we were there, unknowingly, I queued for five minutes during the interval last time in order to buy a bottle of water, only to find that when I got to the bar, a jug of water was provided for free (and without queueing!)
David	A Chinese restaurant close by, also has on the menu 'tap water will not be served for health and safety reasons' When pointed out that tap water is one of the safest drinks they refused to serve it.
Neil	Good luck with your campaign. In American and Canadian restaurants the first thing the waitress does is bring tap water to the table. I has never stopped me from ordering drinks if I wanted something other than water. One thing that really bugs me about eating out as a family in the UK is that drinks can make up a high proportion of the final bill. Children are never happy with a single drink so it is easy to spend £3-5 per child just on drinks.
Anon	My local Indian restaurant Shukurs Brasserie in Kineton Warwickshire is brilliant at serving tap water if you ask.They are only small but the service is friendly and helpful. A jug of water is really important if you are dining out with young children who get thirsty and will otherwise ask for soda and coke.
Anon	I went to a restaurant in London as I was due to meet someone. I was asked if I would like a drink while I waited and I requested a jug of tap water. There was then a discussion between the waiter and manager, who eventually acceded to my request. But I was just brought a small glass of water and made to feel unwelcome.
Anon	I went into the Commonwealth Club in London and was given a jug of fresh tap water willingly.
Jenny	Many occasions have asked for tap water in restaurants, which has been provided willingly, often will ice and lemon – no charge. These are usually very good restaurants. During our Christmas lunch in a Birmingham restaurant, the waiter tried to get us to buy bottled water by explaining that the tap water there wasn’t very good. Needless to say, he wasn’t successful!
Anon	I popped into the EAT sandwich shop just next door to where I work and grabbed a bottle of water to go with my lunch. When I went to pay the man he asked if I’d like a cup of tap water instead for free. I was shocked but said yes please. It was lovely.
Mr P	I went to my local restaurant and asked for some water with my meal. When the waiter came back he came back with a bottle of water and tried to charge me £2.50 for the bottle! I quickly said to him that I wanted 'Tap water' and the look on his face was the look of 'How dare you ask for tap water in this restaurant!'
Mrs M	I once went to a place where there was a sign saying 'We do not serve tap water due to the matter of health and safety to our customers'. How silly is that!?

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Tap water in restaurants - Have your say