Is it legal to withold access to the drinking of tap watrer at a restaurant?

Question

I have a Chinese restaurant near me which has a "buffet" table, where for a set price you can eat as much as you like, returning again and again to refill your plate. This is fine and good value. BUT the restaurant will not serve tap-water to any of its customers; instead you have to spend a minimum of £1.00 on bottled water. Is this legal?

Answer 1

Why not just sneak into the bathroom and get the tap water there?

Or realize that you're being incredibly cheap and just cough up the cash for a drink.

Answer 2

Don`t know.

I never use restaurants. Don`t trust the kitchen/food hygene.

And as for drinking their tap water!!!!! NEVER.

Answer 3

Yes it is legal.

Answer 4

Restaurants do not legally have to provide free tap water. Only licensed clubs do, a hangover from the old highways and inn laws that said tap water had to be given out for free to thirsty travellers.

While a restaurant can't force you to buy mineral water, it can legitimately charge you for providing tap water as mean as it might sound.

Answer 5

THEY can charge you what ever you are prepared to pay for tap water as they have to pay for it.

Answer 6

I don't think it is legal but I have heard  that there are so many damaging chemicals in tap water - for example the floride and the cloride use to purify it causes things like high blood pressure that it is worth while paying the money for bottled water.

Answer 7

In some places they give you tap water for nothing so ask before eating there

Answer 8

Actually, I didn't think that was legal? I wish I could say with 100% certainty but my understanding is that no establishment (pub, club, restaurant) can charge for tap water or not let you have some if you ask...

Answer 9

Yes, they could also charge you if they served tap water. It is to cover the overheads, providing the glasses and the waiter to serve the water.

Answer 10

Of course its legal - someone has to serve you the water, they have to clear it away and it has to be washed, why should you get it gor nothing. You are already apparently getting a good deal - could you just be being a bit greedy?

Answer 11

It probably is not illegal but why would you want to eat somewhere with that kind of rule?  Are they going to charge you if you ask for extra napkins?  What if you are choking on some Kung Pao chicken and you need water right away?  Will the waiter ask if you're willing to buy some bottled water first ?  I would boycott that stupid resturant.

Answer 12

It isn't a nice business practice, but it isn't illegal. If you don't like it, eat somewhere else. If enough people complain and walk out, they may change their practices.

Answer 13

probably not but it isnt legal to get your food kicked all around the floor but thats what you'll get if you start asking for tap water best pay up i'm afraid