A tourist's request for a glass of tap water at a hotel restaurant in the Italian Dolomites has led to a landmark ruling by Italy's supreme court, which determined that serving tap water is not a consumer right. The case, which began in 2019, involved a woman staying at a five-star hotel in Corvara, Badia, over the Christmas and New Year period. She was on a half-board deal that included evening meals but not drinks.
The Dispute Over Tap Water
According to Italian press reports, the woman repeatedly asked for tap water with her dinner, even offering to pay for it. However, her requests were denied. Instead, each evening she found a 0.75-litre bottle of mineral water, costing €7, placed on her table. The tourist complained about "constantly being denied the opportunity to consume tap water, and instead being forced to purchase bottled water," as reported by Corriere Alto Adige, citing court documents.
Legal Arguments and Court Rulings
The woman pursued legal action, arguing that water is "a natural resource and a universal human right" and that "the free provision of a minimum vital quantity is necessary to meet essential needs and must be guaranteed." She considered tap water an integral part of the service at a restaurant or hotel, "much like finding a bed with sheets, a warm room and soap in the bathroom." She sought €2,700 in compensation for "economic damage and emotional distress."
Both the first and second-instance courts dismissed her case. She then appealed to the supreme court of cassation, which confirmed that no law in Italy obliges restaurant managers or hoteliers to serve customers tap water. The court dismissed the case, upholding the lower courts' decisions.
Cultural Context and Changing Norms
Asking for free tap water at a restaurant in Italy is generally considered a breach of etiquette, especially if the server has already offered bottled natural or sparkling water. However, customers are becoming bolder, with many seeking to avoid plastic use. More restaurants now offer filtered water, reflecting a shift in consumer habits. The ruling reinforces the status quo, but the debate over tap water rights continues as environmental and consumer awareness grows.
