In a recent ruling, Italy’s Supreme Court determined that a five-star hotel acted within the law when it refused to serve a guest tap water, opting instead to offer only bottled water. This decision has sparked discussions about cultural norms surrounding water service in Europe and the United States.
Case Details
The case involved a guest who stayed at the Hotel Sassongher in Italy’s Badia region from December 26, 2019, to January 3, 2020. The guest, who was on a half-board package excluding drinks, requested tap water during dinner and offered to pay a service charge. However, the hotel staff insisted on serving bottled water, priced at approximately 7 euros ($8.15).
After her request was denied, the guest filed a lawsuit seeking compensation of around 2,700 euros ($3,147), arguing that access to water is a fundamental right. The case was initially rejected by a court in Rome and an appeals court before reaching the Supreme Court.
Court’s Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that Italian law does not require hotels or restaurants to provide tap water, thus supporting the hotel’s decision. The ruling, made in November, has only recently gained attention in Italy, leading to a broader debate on the issue.
Hotel Sassongher has stated its respect for the court’s decision but declined further comment. This case highlights the differences in water service expectations between the United States, where serving tap water is a common practice, and parts of Europe, where it is not mandated by law.
Cultural Context
In the United States, while there is no federal law requiring restaurants or hotels to serve tap water, it is a widely accepted practice. Conversely, in England and Wales, establishments serving alcohol must provide free tap water by law. However, many mainland European countries do not have similar regulations.
This ruling underscores the importance of understanding local customs and legal frameworks when traveling abroad, particularly concerning basic amenities like water.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
