In a recent legal dispute in Italy, a luxurious Dolomites hotel successfully defended its decision to deny a tourist tap water. The incident dates back to 2019 when a traveler from Rome requested a glass of water but was informed that only bottled mineral water was available for purchase at £6. Despite arguing that access to water is a fundamental human right, the tourist’s claim for compensation of £2,300 was rejected by the Italian Supreme Court. The court supported the hotel’s stance, emphasizing that there is no legal obligation for establishments to offer tap water to patrons.
The tourist, who had alleged a violation of consumer rights, likened the denial of tap water to essential amenities like bedsheets or soap in a hotel room. However, the court ruled in favor of the hotel, asserting that Italian legislation does not mandate the provision of tap water to guests. The lawyer representing the hotel highlighted that the case had been dismissed by multiple courts, including the Court of Cassation, due to insufficient evidence supporting the tourist’s claims of financial and moral harm.
Contrary to some European countries like France, Spain, and Lithuania, where regulations require restaurants to provide free tap water under certain conditions, the European Union has not imposed such obligations uniformly. Nevertheless, upcoming EU regulations are set to encourage member states to ensure that dining establishments offer tap water at no cost or for a nominal fee, with enforcement expected to commence in August this year.
