Hotel’s refusal to serve guest tap water at restaurant is lawful, top Italian court rules
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Italy’s Supreme Court ruled that a five-star hotel did not break any laws by refusing to serve a guest tap water, upholding the hotel's policy of only providing bottled water at its restaurant.
- The guest, who stayed at Hotel Sassongher in late 2019, filed a lawsuit claiming access to water is a fundamental human right and sought compensation after being denied tap water during her stay.
- The court rejected her claim, stating that Italian law does not obligate hotels or restaurants to serve tap water, and the decision was upheld through multiple levels of the judicial system.
- The ruling has sparked debate in Italy and highlights cultural differences regarding tap water access in hospitality between Europe and countries like the United States.
- While some European countries like England and Wales legally require free tap water in establishments serving alcohol, many mainland European countries do not have such mandates.