Is it true that, in England, hotels and restaurants must give free drinking water to anyone who requests it?

Question

I am under the impression that an old law requires "inns and taverns" to furnish drinking water free of charge to travellers who request it, and that in recent years it has been determined that this service is still required to be provided by hotels, pubs restaurants etc. Those establishments that display signs such as "tapwater is not served here" would therefore be in contravention of this law. Can any lawyer advise me as to whether I am right or wrong?

Answer 1

i work in a hotel in scotland, and as long as it's tap water ... yes it's always free of charge

Answer 2

I am not sure if pubs with this sign are breaking the law, but it is the law to serve drinking water in oubs for free if so asked.

I woked in a bar for 5 years and did a NVQ on it all, and I was taught all the rules and regulations about it.

You can not refuse anyone of free drinking water!

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

As a former pub Landlady, I can tell you that the law still stands. We do on occasion refuse,  to avoid street walkers using the property as a resting place and sitting for hours over a glass of water, as its bad for image and business. However, if they were to test the law, they would win. It is against the law to refuse water to anyone who asks without charge, even though we in the UK pay water rates.

Answer 4

I'm not sure if a law exists on giving water for free . a lot of hotels do give free water in the rooms, a lot of bars and dinners also, in general water charged by water company's isn't hired. a profit from a charge would be taxed so is it worth while

Answer 5

Yes (In Wales) in pubs and clubs I always ask for a glass of water (pint) to sober up a bit - free

Answer 6

ever herd of google or yahoo search

Answer 7

I sure hope it's true, because if so, I'm booking a flight to England.  Who could pass up free drinking water?!?!?!

Answer 8

Yes, they have to by law but only tap water not mineral or anything and you have to be eating in the premises not just being too tight to buy a drink

Answer 9

Yes, I actually read about this on a pub law site, sorry, not sure which one it was. The pub/hotel/restaurant etc must provide free drinking water, but be warned, the water could come from the taps in the toilets, as long as it is suitable for drinking and doesn't come from a tank.

Answer 10

yes its true.... i should know i drank loads of it last night and still got a all day hangover...lol

ask for a glass of water with ice no charge

Answer 11

Yes the law is... you can go into ANY shop,pub,resturant and ask for water.. they CANNOT refuse you...

Answer 12

They will give you tap water for free but not bottled water.

Answer 13

duno my local charges 32p for a glass of water

Answer 14

not to be a smart alleck, but there may or may NOT be lawyers on yahoo answers.  You could probably find that out by just googling your question.