A high-end hotel in Italy has emerged victorious in a legal battle against a tourist who requested tap water. The incident dates back to 2019 when the woman, a resident of Rome, sought a glass of water but was offered a £6 bottle of mineral water instead. She argued that access to water is a human right, leading to a prolonged legal dispute that recently concluded in favor of the hotel.
Represented by lawyer Silvio Belardi, the hotel successfully defended its decision not to provide tap water, with the Italian Supreme Court ruling in its favor. Despite claims of emotional distress and economic harm amounting to £2,300, the tourist’s compensation request was rejected due to insufficient evidence.
The court highlighted that Italian law does not mandate venues to offer tap water to patrons, leaving the choice to individual establishments. The ruling emphasized that access to running water within the hotel premises was available, albeit not in the restaurant.
In contrast, other countries like France require restaurants to serve complimentary water, while Spain passed a law in 2022 obliging bars and eateries to provide free unpackaged drinking water. Lithuania mandates that restaurants must offer tap water upon request.
On a broader scale, the European Union has yet to introduce regulations mandating free tap water provision. However, the EU Council’s approval of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation encourages member states to ensure access to free or minimally charged tap water in dining establishments, with implementation slated for August this year.