Italian court: restaurants not obliged to serve tap water after tourist's 2,700 claim

A woman who stayed at a five-star hotel in northern Italy demanded 2,700 in compensation after she was not offered tap water at the hotel restaurant. Italy's highest court ruled that restaurants have no legal obligation to provide tap water to customers.

Italy's highest court has ruled that restaurants are not required to serve tap water to customers, after a guest at a five-star hotel in northern Italy sought 2,700 in compensation for being denied it.

The case centred on a woman who stayed at the luxury hotel and was refused tap water when dining at the hotel's restaurant. Believing this to be a violation of her rights, she pursued legal action and sought significant financial damages.

However, Italy's Supreme Court dismissed her claim, clarifying that access to tap water in a restaurant does not constitute a legal right. The ruling confirms that establishments are free to decline such requests without legal consequence.

The verdict is likely to have broader implications for similar disputes across Italy, effectively setting a precedent that customers cannot demand tap water as a matter of entitlement when dining out.