Q24N — Italy’s Court of Cassation has ruled that hotels, bars, and restaurants in Italy are not legally required to provide free tap water to customers.
The case stemmed from a lawsuit against a luxury hotel in the Dolomites after a guest was denied tap water during meals and instead offered bottled mineral water for €7.
The court ultimately sided with the hotel, clarifying that while businesses are free to offer tap water voluntarily, Italian law does not obligate them to do so.
Could we see the same happening in Costa Rica?
Possibly. A New Kind of Hospitality.
Not every restaurant is pulling the plug on free tap water, but those that do are navigating delicate territory. Some simply ask customers if they want water, rather than pouring it automatically. Others charge a small fee or encourage filtered water for a nominal price.
For diners who see water as a basic right, the change can be jarring. But for many restaurants, it’s about survival—and adapting to new realities.
So next time you’re asked if you want water, or see a small charge on the bill, it’s not just about the cost of a glass. It’s a snapshot of an industry rethinking what “free” really means.