Can I ask for tap water in a pub?

All restaurants in England and Wales that serve alcohol are legally required to give customers free tap water according to the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010, which came into force in April 2010 and was updated in 2014.

Can you ask for tap water in a pub in the UK?

Asking for tap water

However, if they are licensed to serve alcohol and operate in England, Wales or Scotland, then they must provide free drinking water under the terms of their licence. It's illegal to pass tap water off as bottled water.

Can a pub refuse to serve you tap water?

“The responsible person shall ensure that free tap water is provided on request to customers where it is reasonably available.” There are various points to note here: This obligation only applies to a premises which is licensed to sell alcohol.

Is it illegal to make people pay for tap water?

The law is that tap water is free, regardless if asked or offered, the restaurant duped you.

Can you charge for water in a pub?

All licensed premises authorised to serve alcohol, including pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants, must by law provide free drinking water, even if you are not a paying customer.

How tap water works in pubs and bars, and why it's not a scam.

Do wetherspoons charge for water?

Tap water is free anywhere that serves alcohol and perfectly drinkable. Takes the fizz out of a white spritzer though. JD Wetherspoons pubs do not charge for plain soda water.

Are restaurants allowed to charge for tap water in the UK?

As others have said, providing free tap water is a legal requirement in UK restaurants. However, they are only required to provide access to it (so, it could be a water fountain in the toilets rather than a jug on the table).

What is the new free tap water law in the UK?

All restaurants in England and Wales that serve alcohol are legally required to give customers free tap water according to the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010, which came into force in April 2010 and was updated in 2014. Those that don't are under no obligation to do so.

Can you refuse to pay for water?

Water and sewerage are essential services, and customers have to pay for the services they receive. If you do not pay your bill or contact the company to discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing, your company will take action against you to recover the debt.

Is it illegal to not let someone drink water?

No, your employer cannot stop you from drinking water. All employees must have access and freedom to drink whenever they need to. Access to clean drinking water is not only a basic human right but it also improves the health and productivity of employees.

Can a pub stay open with no water?

Yes, you have to provide drinkable water as well as toiletries, however, this does not have to come through plumbing. As per legislation, water is essential for wellbeing, but it does not have to be running water. However, it is advisable to have running water as alternatives are often more costly.

How do I ask for water at a bar?

In these difficult situations it is customary to ask, please. Please is generally considered to be the “Magic Word!” —Please, I say, would you mind terribly bring me a little glass of tap water. Thank you so much!

Can you take a service charge off a bill?

The customer can only refuse to pay it if the food or service was poor. Discretionary service charge: Can be added to the bill receipt at the end of the meal, but the customer can decide not to pay it in any case.

Can I drink from my bathroom tap in the UK?

Tap water is safe to drink in the UK. In fact, the quality of tap water in the UK is one of the best in the world. While water from the mains connection in your kitchen is safe to drink, the same cannot be said of the water in your bathroom.

Are you legally entitled to water?

Yes. The law requires that you provide drinking water and ensure that: It is free from any contamination.

Do I legally have to pay for water in the UK?

Every customer who receives a water or sewerage service must pay charges. No one is exempt. Some charges are based on rateable values, this means that organisations or properties with very low or no rateable value may pay very little for their water and sewerage bills.

Can you get compensation for having no water?

You may be entitled to compensation if your water supply is not restored by the time that was provided to you by Thames Water. You will usually be entitled to the following: £20 for the first 24 hours. £10 for any further 24-hour periods that your water supply is not restored.

What is the new water law in the UK?

The Water (Special Measures) Act ('the act') was introduced into Parliament on 4 September 2024 and received Royal Assent on 24 February 2025. The act significantly strengthens the power of the water industry regulators and delivers on the government's commitment to put failing water companies under special measures.

How to get free water in the UK?

Tap water in the UK is:

The Refill app can help you find free tap water on the go at over 30,000 places like train stations and shops across the UK (and over 274,000 globally!).

Is potable water drinking water?

Potable water, or water suitable for human consumption, is water that can be used for drinking, cooking, hygiene, and other household chores.

Do pubs have to provide free tap water?

All licensed premises in England and Wales are required by law to provide "free potable water" to their customers upon request. In Scotland a similar law applies, but specifies "tap water fit for drinking".

Can a restaurant charge me for tap water?

Tap water in the UK cannot be charged for, it's a mandatory licensing condition, possibly across the board.

Can you order water at a pub?

But you can just ask for tap water which is free . If you are drinking whisky you might ask for a small jug of water or ice to go with the whisky . A lot of pubs serve good food and are used to serving drinks to go with the meal, as well as non alcoholic drinks , which actually bring in a lot of money .

Is coffee free in Wetherspoons?

Enjoy free refills on coffee, tea and hot chocolate at £1.56 or less.

Can you refuse to pay a restaurant service charge?

Restaurants tend to add anywhere from 5 to 15% to a bill for the service charge. A service charge is not legally mandatory, so unless it is made clear to customers before they eat, they can refuse to pay this.