I have frequented a local pizza place for around 3 years now (while at college). I usually go with a friend and we split a pizza and each get tap water. Today, a rather rude woman was behind the counter and she said that due to cost cutting, the restaurant will no longer provide tap water, you have to buy bottled water instead, even though the beverage dispenser is behind the counter and you can clearly see the water tab. Must a restaurant provide tap water for free, or is it merely good business?
2007-11-02 14:30:37 · 8 answers · asked by mr_master2 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The state is Pennsylvania
2007-11-02 14:36:30 · update #1
It is merely good business. Sure, a restaurant can refuse to serve tap water, and a high class resraurant would be expected to, but to do so when people are paying for a meal at a pizza place is kind of trashy, unless there is a municipa restriction on water use. Next time, order the pizza and tap water, and if it is refused, politely say due to cost-cutting you cannot afford bottled water and pizza both, so you will be eating elsewhere, then leave.
The water situation in PA, by the way, asks for curtailment of use for watering lawns and washing cars, it makes no mention of not drinking it. There are no counties with a declared "drought emergency", Clinton County is the only one with a declared "drought warning" The rest of the state is split between "drought watch" and "normal".
2007-11-02 14:57:06 · answer #1 · answered by Fred C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As most businesses can refuse anyone service without giving a reason - and have the signs posted in numerous businesses in PA - they can refuse to give you tap water. Take your pizza home and drink your own tap water or change restaurants.
Most counties in PA - are in a drought situation ,so the tap water may no longer be available in your area. Many places are restricting water usage - they just might not be telling you .
2007-11-02 14:46:55 · answer #2 · answered by Akkita 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your concerns and although I don't eat out a lot, I have seen the reason. One is the cost of the containers. Did you offer to pay for a cup? The other reason is that the kids go to a food place, eat a cheap sandwich and get a water. Then, they monopolize the table for hours, sipping a free product. I see that our Mickey D's put a 20 minute limit on table usage. They only enforce it when this happens though.
2007-11-02 15:08:11 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't know if it is illegal but it is asinine of them to refuse you water. If they want to charge you a dime or a quarter for the cup that's one thing but flatly refuse is just stupid.
I'd find another pizza place if I were you and I'd let the manager of the old place know why you aren't going there anymore.
2007-11-02 14:39:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon the state. In Arizona, it is illegal to not provide water to a non-customer.
2007-11-02 14:35:46 · answer #5 · answered by a bush family member 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Merely good business.
2007-11-02 15:12:46 · answer #6 · answered by raichasays 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't have to serve you pizza if they don't want to. More less water.
2007-11-02 14:37:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's legal to refuse, if rude.
2007-11-02 16:48:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋