Politicians vote against legislating free tap water in restaurants

Petitioner David Kieffer walked away disappointed on Tuesday after his plea for free tap water ended unsuccessfully. His petition had proved popular with 5,114 signatures - passing the threshold for a public debate - but discussions in the debate did not look optimistic for the advocates of free tap water in restaurants.

At the end of the debate it was clear MPs would not push ahead for any legislation. The only concession made to petitioners was an awareness campaign. This would have the purpose of encouraging restaurants to offer tap water to customers, but without any legislation, they are not obliged.

'Tap water should be available, whether free or not'

Kieffer, a member of association 'Refill Lëtzebuerg', also hoped to advocate a law ensuring a 'quality label' for tap water in Luxembourg. He had specified in his petition that he does not necessarily demand 'free' tap water, but instead emphasised the ecological aspect of offering tap water.

The petitioner told the Chamber of Deputies he hoped for a law 'assuring the availability of tap water in restaurants, 'whether free or not'. Despite the availability of high quality tap water, tonnes of plastic and glass water bottles are imported to Luxembourg, Kieffer stressed. However, the petitioner was not invited to participate in the future campaign.

Already prior to the debate, Horesca (the hospitality federation) director François Koepp revealed his position against tap water in restaurants, arguing it would engender additional costs and 'it is not up to restaurants to front these costs'. 

The French example

A number of countries have taken steps to ensure free tap water in restaurants, with France being at the top of the list. A 'carafe d'eau' is not simply an immovable cultural phenomenon, but also guaranteed by law. In exact terms, the tap water is not explicitly free of charge, but instead included in the cost of the meal, just like bread, crockery, and more.

Restaurants in Italy also add several Euros to the bill for pani e coppertti (bread and cutlery), which includes tap water. Austria, for example, offers tap water for a small fee, whereas Norway, the United States, and the United Kingdom offer it for free. More and more restaurants are also offering filtered water - including sparkling - for a cheaper price than bottled water.