A woman from Rome has lost a protracted legal battle against the five-star Hotel Sassongher in Corvara after she was refused a glass of tap water and instead offered a £6 bottle of mineral water. The incident, which occurred in 2019, led to a court case that culminated in the Italian Supreme Court dismissing her claim for £2,300 in compensation for emotional distress and economic damage.
Legal Arguments and Ruling
The tourist argued that "water is a natural resource and a universal human right" and claimed that her consumer rights had been violated, comparing the denial of tap water to a hotel not providing sheets or soap. However, the court held that Italian laws do not require establishments to provide tap water to guests, leaving it to individual venues to decide.
Silvio Belardi, the hotel's lawyer, stated that the case had been rejected at three levels: first by a court in Rome, then by an appeals court, and finally by the Court of Cassation. He noted that the woman's claims of financial and moral harm were dismissed for lack of evidence. Belardi also pointed out that guests could obtain running water in their hotel rooms, just not in the restaurant.
Comparison with Other Countries
In the United Kingdom, restaurants serving alcohol are legally required to provide free tap water to paying customers, though they may charge for the glass or service. In contrast, Italy has no such obligation. Other European countries with legal requirements for free tap water include:
- France: Restaurants must provide a carafe of water with every meal at no extra charge.
- Spain: A 2022 law requires bars and restaurants to offer unpackaged drinking water for free.
- Lithuania: Restaurants must give guests tap water if requested.
EU Regulations on Tap Water
The European Union has not passed a unified law requiring free tap water, but the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, approved by the EU Council, encourages member states to ensure that restaurants, bars, cafés, and catering services provide tap water for free or for a minimal service fee. These rules are set to take effect in August 2026.
