Europe’s Patchwork of Tap Water Rules Meets Italy’s Court Ruling

A recent Italian Supreme Court ruling found hotels/restaurants aren’t legally obligated to provide tap water, highlighted by a Dolomites hotel case where bottled water was the only option. The piece contrasts this with Europe’s diverse rules: Spain and Portugal push for free tap water in hospitality venues; France maintains the traditional “carafe d’eau” free with meals; the UK requires free water on request where alcohol is served; in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands water is typically treated as a paid product. Amid a heatwave, hydration remains a public health concern, but access to free tap water varies by country.