Italy's Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit against a 5-star luxury hotel in the Dolomites, ruling that the hotel may refuse to serve free tap water and instead sell mineral water to tourists after a female tourist sought damages.
The incident occurred during the 2019 ski season at Hotel Sassongher in Corvara, northern Italy. The woman sued seeking around 2,700 euros, or over 100,000 baht, claiming consumer rights violations and psychological harm.
She argued that water is a natural resource and a basic human right, comparing access to drinking water to fundamental amenities like bed linens or soap in the bathroom.
However, the Italian Supreme Court ruled to dismiss the case, stating that Italian law does not require restaurants or hotels to provide free tap water, and whether to serve it is at the discretion of each establishment.
Silvio Belardi, the hotel's lawyer, said the court clearly confirmed there is no obligation to provide tap water to customers.
Reports indicate the woman had previously filed a case in a lower court in Rome, which was unsuccessful. Her identity remains undisclosed. The case has sparked debate in Italy regarding consumer rights and basic services in the hospitality and restaurant sectors.
Notably, laws in England and Wales differ; licensed food and drink establishments are required to provide free drinking water upon request.
. Source:BBC
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