Is there some sort of law that requires restaurants to give a free cup of water or is it just a courtesy?

Question

Is there some sort of law that requires restaurants to give a free cup of water or is it just a courtesy?

Answer 1

No.

In some states they do not give you water unless you ask for it as a measure to conserve water.

Answer 2

No, there is no law that requires any buisness to give anything for free.

And in fact, in a few areas where there has been extreme drought this year, there have been local ordinances forbidding restraunts from serving water except by request only, to help conserve water.

Answer 3

It's up on the server or manager-most retaurants/night clubs & bars will charge if you're not buying food or drinks-(in Las Vegas Nevada at a go-go bar, wether you order a Long Island, soda pop, or just water, it's 8 bucks a glass & you must buy 2 minimum.)

Answer 4

No there is no law requiring restaurants to provide free water to their customers, though you will find most resturants do, because by providing something so small for free, leaves a lasting impression on * potential * customers, and their for can enduce further business from that customer, personally when I dine out I like to be offered a glass of water, whilst looking over the menu, that keeps me interested in the restaurant as they are interested in the business I could provide.

Answer 5

Speaking of Mc-Donald's, it is US corporate policy to provide a cup of water to anyone who asks, customer or not, whether through Drive-Thru or the front counter.

Answer 6

That depends entirely upon restaurant policy. Most sit-down, casual dining restaurants (i.e., not fast food) will provide water as a courtesy to their guests, simply because. However, a lot of restaurants are starting to do away with that, in an attempt to conserve water - a lot of customers don't drink the water that is brought to them, and is therefore just wasted water.

Answer 7

nothing is free my friend

Answer 8

Courtesy.

Answer 9

It is not law but any restaurant that doesn't has lost its way. When I ask for just a water at McDonald's or any other restaurant, they should keep in mind that I have probably already given them hundreds of dollars of business. They should also keep in mind that even though I am not giving them business this moment, I am likely to do so tomorrow or the next day. Restaurants who charge for water are very shortsighted in my opinion.