Tap water in restaurants

Our high-quality tap water is becoming increasing popular and is ordered in restaurants more and more frequently. But is a restaurant allowed to charge for tap water or should water be free of charge be as a matter of course? Opinions vary widely among owners, patrons and consumer advocates.

Legal situation

Some restaurants still serve tap water free of charge, others charge up to 10 Francs for a litre. In view of such differences, it is not surprising that guests react with uncertainty. What is the legal situation?

The issue is regulated by law only in the Canton of Ticino. According to the Business Act of the Canton, publicans have to serve their guests with a glass of water free of charge with their main meals. Businesses can use their own discretion in all other Cantons. Should they charge for tap water, they have to display the price on their premises, e.g. on the menu.

Hospitality service

If you have to pay for a glass or carafe of water in a restaurant, please do not forget that this involves a hospitality service. You get the water in a glass that has to be washed and replaced when broken and you are dining in pleasant surroundings. The restaurant owner has to pay rent for the restaurant plus heating and electricity costs. Nevertheless, many restaurants still serve tap water, in particular in conjunction with coffee or other orders, at a low charge or free of charge as a gesture of goodwill for their guests.