[007.5]

I recently went to a small restaurant on Dauphin Island, Al . and ordered a complete fish dinner and a cup of water which I dispensed from the common beverage machine on a table . I didnt realize it till later, that i was charged $.50 for it. While that amount of money isnt going to break me, Im wondering if this is lawful for a restaurant to do in Alabama. I was always told establishments cannot charge you for water. Does anyone know the written law on this ? Thanks.

[PJSaturn]

Laws vary widely from state to state. I live in NW Indiana, and have been charged for water on occasion in both Indiana and Illinois. The cost isn't just for the water; it's for the ice, for washing the glass and for the service as well. While it bugs the heck out of me when places charge for water, I do understand why some feel they need to do that. I suspect it's legal in all states. No one is forcing customers to purchase water. Although, they should make it clear on the menu that there is a charge for water. If you don't want to pay for it at that particular place, BYO next time.

[007.5]

Originally Posted by PJ8

Laws vary widely from state to state. I live in NW Indiana, and have been charged for water on occasion in both Indiana and Illinois. The cost isn't just for the water; it's for the ice, for washing the glass and for the service as well. While it bugs the heck out of me when places charge for water, I do understand why some feel they need to do that. I suspect it's legal in all states. No one is forcing customers to purchase water. Although, they should make it clear on the menu that there is a charge for water. If you don't want to pay for it at that particular place, BYO next time.

It was a styrofoam cup, no ice, and the cup is tossed in the trash when done. Its like if they cant soak you for a soda , theyll make you pay for a basic requirement to wash their food down (which was also served on a styrofoam plate) . I think they have a nerve based on principle. The very least they should do, is not list the water charge seperately on the reciept.. and put it into the price of the dinner so people dont get indignant about it.

[marmac]

.50 for water ?

I can get coffee at Ma and Pa's Kettle in Cameron MO for .25 and it probably is a nicer place than that restaurant in Dauphin Island AL.

What a rip-off !

[southernnaturelover]

Sounds strange to me. Usually when I order ice water it's free. I drank water last night at Pizza Hut and there was no charge on my receipt.

[Mawoods]

I have never been charged for water anywhere in AL or WI or traveling all over the STATES. I wonder if on Dauphin Island that fresh water is expensive and so they pass the charge on?

[007.5]

Originally Posted by Mawoods

I have never been charged for water anywhere in AL or WI or traveling all over the STATES. I wonder if on Dauphin Island that fresh water is expensive and so they pass the charge on?

Doesnt matter. They should bury the cost of the water then into the food prices . Ive been charged for water approx. 3-4 times in the past in various parts of the country, but mainly down south.

[harry chickpea]

Oooh! I KNOW this law. Or at least what it was 30 years ago. In Alabama you cannot charge for a DRINK of water or refuse to serve it if you have a food license. If someone has the need to use the water to swallow a pill, you have to supply at least a dispenser cup. Remember those little paper cups on the side of a water cooler?

However, if someone requests water in a particular cup, or for ice, you may charge for the cup. The issue used to be a serious problem in movie theatres, because people would come in with cans of soft and not so soft drinks, then go to the concession stand and ask for a cup of water. By pouring the water out in the restroom and pouring the drink into a theatre cup, they were less conspicuous. Once other folks started seeing these cups being handed out for free, many would buy a mega-drink and ask for cups so that the kids in the family could share it. Inventory control is a vital theft preventive measure, and eventually salable cups were no longer allowed to be "spoiled" off without a major hassle. At one point, 7 oz cups were even supplied free for the purpose of pills, sharing drinks, and so on. That led to the concession workers using those cups for personal use, and the waste of those cups went to incredible levels. Going through 200 or 300 a week was not unusual.

The problem was brought to a screeching halt when theatres and concession companies insisted the free water be only at the public water fountain in the lobby, and supplied ONLY the dispenser cups (which cannot be set down on a surface without spilling the water) to anyone requesting pill cups or sharing cups.

My guess is that somewhere in that restaurant was a public drinking fountain. If not, a call to the health department would likely rectify the situation.

[PJSaturn]

Originally Posted by 007.5

Doesnt matter. They should bury the cost of the water then into the food prices . Ive been charged for water approx. 3-4 times in the past in various parts of the country, but mainly down south.

I do agree with you, 007.5. I think it stinks when a restaurant or theatre charges for water (unless it's bottled). It's nuts. You're right, that it should be included in the food prices. Even though I don't like it though, I've known folks in the restaurant business, and it was an eye opener when they told me how much it costs them to make all that ice for water glasses. That's why a lot of restaurants, even upscale ones, no longer automatically put glasses of water on the tables for all of the patrons. They're happy to bring water out if people ask for it, but it seems silly to put it at every place when some people do not drink water with their meals. As for me, I drink 2-4 glasses with a meal. Gotta have my water! But I would not pay for it. (I know I'm a smidge off point.) Anyway, I do understand why some places charge. It should ALWAYS be made clear to the patrons, though.

Your experience of being surprised to find the water charge on your bill reminds me of one restaurant in my town which charges for those styrofoam take-home containers for leftovers. They serve huge portions there, and most people can't finish it all. The first time I went there, I found a 35-cent charge on my bill for the takeout container. When I go there now, I bring my own container for the leftovers!

[Reactionary]

Like harry chickpea says, you were charged for the cup. IIRC McDs and other fast food places used to charge a dime.

Keep in mind you were on an island where potable water is a precious resource. Lots of resort areas try to limit water usage.