A woman has lost a seven-year legal battle against a luxury Italian hotel that refused to serve her tap water. The case, which began in 2019 after a week-long stay at the five-star resort of Corvara in Badia over Christmas and New Year, concluded with the Supreme Court of Cassation ruling that there is no Italian law mandating hotels to provide tap water.
The guest, who had booked a half-board package that included dinner, was repeatedly denied tap water and instead expected to purchase bottled water for €7 per 0.75-litre bottle. She argued that water is a universal human right and that a minimum vital quantity should be guaranteed, comparing the provision of tap water to essential amenities like beds with sheets or bathroom soap.
She sought €2,700 in compensation for alleged economic damage and emotional distress. Her initial claim was dismissed by a lower court in Rome, prompting her to appeal to the supreme court.
Judges ultimately ruled that the decision to serve tap water rests with the discretion of the establishment, with no legal obligation in place. Silvio Belardi, the hotel's lawyer, confirmed the court's finding that there is no obligation to supply tap water.
In Italy, requesting tap water in restaurants is often considered poor etiquette, and it is customary for waiters to refuse. This practice is partly attributed to the belief among locals that the minerals and chlorine in Italian tap water can negatively affect the flavor of food. In contrast, licensed hospitality venues in England and Wales are legally required to offer free drinking water.