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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think £2.80 for tap water is ridiculous?

44 replies

Nativity3 · 31/12/2014 08:06

We went to a local 'chain' cinema. Having already spent an extortionate amount on tickets I asked for tap water. She gave me it and then charged me £2.80 for it!! Shock It was definitely tap water too as I saw her get it out the tap. I did question her and was told they have to charge 'for the cardboard,disposable cup. Hmm

OP posts:
manchestermummy · 31/12/2014 08:09

Shock! I have nothing useful to say because that is outrageous. I like to think in the same circumstances I would have refused to pay and ask to see the policy that states tap water is chargeable.

Doobigetta · 31/12/2014 08:12

I don't think it's legal to charge for tap water. It certainly isn't in restaurants.

SunshineAndShadows · 31/12/2014 08:15

It seems tap water is only free in licensed premises and they can charge for the cup Hmm
www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/tap-water-rights
But I agree £2.80 is ridiculous!

Stealthpolarbear · 31/12/2014 08:15

It is legal to charge I think but that is ridiculous

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 31/12/2014 08:17

It has to be free if they serve alcohol.

TheLastThneed · 31/12/2014 08:18

I guess that's why they disguise the cost by saying it's for the cup. I would have left the water...or next time take an empty cup with you and ask for it to be filled...Grin

selsigfach · 31/12/2014 08:18

Yanbu however the law is that tap water must be provided free in licensed establishments, so cinemas can get away with this.
www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/tap-water-rights

selsigfach · 31/12/2014 08:19

Was a bit slow posting there!

Ifyourawizardwhydouwearglasses · 31/12/2014 08:22

Did you pay!?

I would have offered to cup my hands Grin

18yearstooold · 31/12/2014 08:24

Cinemas serve alcohol though -or is that just some chains?

CaptainAnkles · 31/12/2014 08:26

They should tell you it'll cost that much before giving you it, so you've the opportunity to tell them to stick it you don't want it that badly.

DropYourSword · 31/12/2014 08:29

Where I live a lot of restaurants charge $4 cakeage PER PERSON!

InMySpareTime · 31/12/2014 08:29

Next time, get one small sweet from the pick and mix. Eat the sweet and ask them to fill the cardboard cup with tap water....

GraysAnalogy · 31/12/2014 08:29

Id drink out of the toilet taps before I paid that

mutternutter · 31/12/2014 08:36

Was this in London?

Original poster
Nativity3 · 31/12/2014 08:51

No it wasn't London. I expect it would have cost double there!Wink

OP posts:
ithoughtofitfirst · 31/12/2014 08:53

This is depressing.

Oh you want to breathe ??

That'll be one MILLION POOOOUNDS.

MWAHAHAHAHA

NobodyLivesHere · 31/12/2014 08:56

I would have given it back. That's ludicrous.

angelohsodelight · 31/12/2014 08:57

A bottle of water costs about 2.50 in my near London cinema.

LovleyRitaMeterMaid · 31/12/2014 09:01

There's no way I'd have paid!

SanityClause · 31/12/2014 09:09

I live in Greater London, and have never been charged for tap water.

We ate at a pub on Christmas eve, in Islington, where they brought jugs of tap water to the table, when you sat down, and replenished them every time they were empty, without us having to ask.

I have a regular lunch date (3 times a year) with some friends at a Michelin starred restaurant, and we always ask for a jug of tap water on the table, and they don't bat an eyelid.

TBF, I have never asked for tapwater at a cinema in London, though. IME, cinemas always charge like wounded bulls.

UsedToBeAPaxmanFan · 31/12/2014 09:20

Cinemas are licensed premises though, so they'd have to provide tap water foc . Think they can still charge for the cup though.

MrsPear · 31/12/2014 09:25

I was charged £2.50 on a South West train from Dorset to London for a cup of boiling water which i needed to warm a babies bottle. The poor man was very embarrassed but he said that at the end of shift cups were counted to ensure no free drinks had been handed out and there was no where on his computer to input cup used for plain hot water so charged for tea. Maddness

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 31/12/2014 09:27

By that bit of logic then, if you took your own cup, had pop, it would be cheaper by 2.80, no? Bet it isn't.

KnackeredMerrily · 31/12/2014 09:33
Shock

Blimey, I'd write to Watchdog or something that is taking the piss! Angry