Free Tap Water in Restaurants: Why Not Common in Germany?
News News blog
In many countries like Spain, Italy or England, it is completely normal for restaurants to serve free tap water with meals. However, those who ask for a glass of tap water in Germany are often met with questioning looks or are referred to expensive mineral water. What is the reason for this? Is German tap water of poor quality? Do restaurants only want to profit from beverages? This article clarifies the most important questions about free drinking water in the gastronomy sector.
Tap Water in Germany is of High Quality
According to the Federal Environment Agency, tap water in Germany is one of the most strictly controlled foods and of very good quality. It is subject to strict regulations and controls. In addition, it is much more environmentally friendly than bottled water, as no transport or packaging is required. Tap water is also unbeatable in terms of price, costing an average of 0.2 cents per liter. Therefore, water quality cannot be the reason why most restaurants do not offer free drinking water.
Restaurants are Not Obliged to Provide Free Water
The main reason is that restaurants and cafés in Germany are not obliged to offer tap water free of charge. They can set the prices for food and drinks themselves. Many restaurateurs fear a loss of revenue if they provide free water, as beverages are an important source of income. Therefore, most restaurants only offer mineral water for a fee.
New EU Directive Recommends Free Drinking Water
The EU Drinking Water Directive, which came into force at the beginning of 2021, recommends that restaurants and eateries provide tap water free of charge or for a small fee. This is intended to facilitate access to drinking water and reduce plastic waste. However, the directive is not mandatory for restaurateurs. Whether it will be implemented is left to the EU member states and the restaurants themselves. In Germany, the Hotel and Restaurant Association is opposing a legal obligation to provide free drinking water.
Free Tap Water is Available in Many EU Countries
In many other European countries, free tap water in restaurants has long been common practice:
- In France, restaurants and cafés have been legally obliged to offer tap water free of charge since 1967.
- In England and Ireland, establishments that serve alcohol must always provide free drinking water.
- In Austria, a carafe of tap water traditionally belongs to the place setting, even though there is no legal regulation for it.
- In Spain and Italy, in most restaurants, a carafe of drinking water is automatically placed on the table without having to ask for it.
Conclusion: There is no qualitative reason why tap water is not offered free of charge in German restaurants. The decisive factor is that, unlike in other countries, there is no legal obligation to do so. The decision lies with the restaurateurs themselves, who fear for their beverage revenues. Although the new EU directive increases the pressure to provide free drinking water, many restaurants will probably continue to offer only mineral water for a fee in the future.
