# Italian Supreme Court Rules Hotels Not Required to Provide Free Tap Water

_May 27 15:31_

Tags: Hotel Sassongher, Dolomites, Italy, policy change, hotel, safety & operations, service policy change

Italy’s highest court ruled that a five-star hotel in the Dolomites lawfully refused free tap water to a diner, confirming no legal obligation exists for venues to provide it

## Summary

Italy’s Supreme Court has ruled that a five-star hotel in the Dolomites was acting lawfully when it refused to provide free tap water to a guest dining at its restaurant. The case stems from a 2019 incident where a guest at Hotel Sassongher in Corvara was told only bottled mineral water was available for €7. She argued this violated consumer rights and was a universal human right, seeking €2,700 in compensation. The court denied her claim, stating Italian laws do not mandate venues to supply tap water, leaving it to business policy. This contrasts with places like England, where licensed venues must serve free drinking water upon request. The ruling impacts dining norms for travelers in Italy who may now expect to pay for water unless explicitly offered tap

## Why it matters

Relevant for Hotel Sassongher elites and award redeemers.

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/italian-court-rules-hotels-free-tap-water-dining) — Italian Court Rules Hotels Don’t Have To Provide Free Tap Water When Dining

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