Is charging for tap water illegal?

[perks006]

Im confused on the laws of charging for tap water. Ive read its at the descetion of the licensee if its a resuraunt or cafe in quesion but I cant find anything for bars and clubs? Anyone know the actual law?
Thanks
Danny, manchester

[willowman]

I don't know the legal answer to this, but I would have thought that the bar or club is entitled to charge for the barmans time in getting the water and for cleaning the glass afterwards. It would obviously be very pedantic and churlish to do this, but then some people are.

[perks006]

I understand that but im sure theres some kind of law stating that due to the temperature of the club and the fact that people are becoming intoxicated, free water should be supplied at request to avoid dehydration becoming more serious.
Thanks for the reply
Danny

[Hapus]

I was always under the impression that if someone asked you for a glass of tap water in a pub that by law, you had to provide it free of charge. But perhaps I'm mistaken.

[dannydingbat]

It is not law as such. Howver, there is a Safer Clubbing Guide which states that a good operator will make water available free of charge. Some Licensing Authorities have imposed this as a condition on some premises which provide late night dance events. Not all though and whether this is in force depends on the individual licence for the premises. For more information see

www.crimereduction.gov.uk/drugsalcohol/drugsalcohol49.htm

[willowman]

A further thought I had was that some money grabbing owner of a busy club or bar could argue that while his bar staff were serving you a free drink, they could be serving a customer who is going to spend money.
As I'm well past the age to go clubbing, and I prefer a pint of real ale in my quiet local, I wasn't aware that things got so hot in clubs nowadays, although having watched Ibiza Uncovered and seen the inside of Manumission etc I suppose you would need a drink. I suppose they also sell bottles of water at grossly inflated prices?
Strongly resisting the temptation to say "In my day............."

[dzug]

Hapus, there is a widespread opinion that what you say is true, but I've never heard it substantiated other than by vigorous assertion. No reference to what law, act or statute, just 'what I say (or write) loudly is true'

Personally I think it's an urban myth. A pub is entitled to refuse to serve you for any or no reason with few exceptions - eg racial.