The Italian Supreme Court ruled that hotels and restaurants are not legally required to provide tap water to customers upon request [1].
This decision establishes a legal precedent regarding consumer rights and hospitality obligations in Italy. It clarifies that establishments can restrict water service to paid bottled options without violating national law [1], [2].
The case began when an unnamed tourist sued a five-star hotel located in the Dolomites region [1], [3]. The dispute arose after the hotel refused to serve the guest tap water, offering instead bottled mineral water priced at €7 [1].
The tourist argued that the refusal was a breach of consumer rights. However, the court said that Italian law does not obligate bars or restaurants to provide tap water to customers [1], [2]. Because there is no such statutory requirement, the court said the hotel acted lawfully in its refusal [2].
Legal experts said that while some countries have mandates for providing free drinking water in public establishments, Italy does not share this specific requirement [1]. The ruling ensures that hospitality businesses maintain control over their beverage offerings, including the ability to sell bottled water as their sole option, without facing litigation for denying free alternatives [2].
The Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit, concluding that the hotel's policy did not contravene any existing regulations [1], [2].
“Italian law does not obligate bars or restaurants to provide tap water to customers.”
This ruling reinforces the autonomy of private businesses in Italy to set their own service terms and pricing. By confirming that tap water is not a guaranteed right for consumers in hospitality settings, the court has protected hotels and restaurants from similar lawsuits based on the expectation of free basic amenities.
