A female tourist's multi-year legal battle against a 5-star Italian hotel for its refusal to serve tap water during her stay has concluded with Italy's Supreme Court ruling against her. The court determined that Italian law does not mandate hotels or restaurants to provide tap water, leaving the decision to individual establishments. The woman had sought 2,700 euro (over 80 million VND) in compensation for what she claimed were violations of her consumer rights and for "economic damages and emotional distress."
The dispute originated in 2019 when the woman spent one week at a 5-star hotel in the ski resort town of Corvara, Dolomites region, during Christmas and New Year. Her holiday package included breakfast and dinner, but excluded beverages. She requested tap water with her meals, even offering to pay. This request was denied, and instead, a 0,75-liter bottle of mineral water, priced at 7 euro, was placed on her table each evening at dinner.
During her stay, the tourist complained about "being repeatedly denied the opportunity to use tap water and instead being forced to buy bottled water," as reported by Corriere Alto Adige, citing court documents. She subsequently filed a lawsuit, arguing that water is a "natural resource and a fundamental human right," and that a minimum amount should be provided free to meet essential needs. She likened the provision of tap water to "providing a bed with sheets and soap in the bathroom," considering it an integral part of restaurant or hotel service.
After her case was dismissed by both the lower and appeals courts, the female tourist appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court judges ultimately rejected her claim, affirming that Italian law and regulations do not compel restaurant or hotel owners to provide tap water to guests.
Requesting free tap water in Italian restaurants is often considered impolite, especially when staff offer bottled mineral or sparkling water. This cultural norm contrasts sharply with regulations in England and Wales, where licensed premises are legally required to provide free drinking water upon request. Despite the traditional view, a growing number of Italian restaurants are now providing filtered water to guests, reflecting an increasing consumer desire to avoid plastic.
By Tue Anh (according to The Guardian, BBC)
