Page 10 | Cafe charging for tap water

coldheartwarmtoes · 2023-09-04T12:47:25+00:00

Cafe local to me posted on Facebook yesterday that they were going to start charging people £1 for tap water. Basically they're fed up of people just ordering the water and not a drink when there water, staff, washing up costs attached etc. The whole thread derailed with people flouncing and being horrified. Are they being unreasonable? I'd share the link but they took it down!

YetMoreNewBeginnings · 06/09/2023 17:26

Catza · 06/09/2023 17:21

"detailing" or "speculating"? Because I see nothing like this mentioned in the original post.

Show quote history

Yes, I'm sure the poster who owns a cafe was just "speculating" about people doing that...

As well as the other posters who have witnessed it and served people doing exactly that.

And I didn't mention the original post. I said "the multiple posters" of which there are indeed multiple

MrsB74 · 06/09/2023 20:31

In general customers ordering tap water are seen as a bit tight in cafes and restaurants - given the current economic climate though it must be getting more common. They do still have to take the time to fill the glass, bring it out and then wash it/put it away. If you are ordering food, other drinks etc. then I don’t think it’s an issue, but if that’s all you are ordering you are taking the piss.

MrsB74 · 06/09/2023 20:36

Hibiscrubbed · 06/09/2023 08:12

I had an interesting experience last week. I went to an independent cafe near to where I live. Not for the first, second or even third time. I had a coffee and a cake and then I left. I popped back ten minutes later and asked to use the toilet as I’m nine months pregnant and the act of standing up basically made me need the toilet. The owner woman was behind the counter, she’d served me, she’d served me before in previous visits, she’d asked how my pregnancy was going, and she said no, unless I bought something else.

I was absolutely incredulous. She was not interested in reason. I might understand it if I hadn’t bought anything at all, though if I was her I’d have let a pregnant woman use a toilet, plus she may be more likely to come back in the future. I won’t be.

That’s dreadful, I certainly wouldn’t go back there either!

Abbimae · 06/09/2023 21:25

Free with ordering yes. Charge if being a scab and taking up a seat. Who pays for the staff, electric, cleaning etc.

M4J4 · 07/09/2023 12:46

MrsB74 · 06/09/2023 20:31

In general customers ordering tap water are seen as a bit tight in cafes and restaurants - given the current economic climate though it must be getting more common. They do still have to take the time to fill the glass, bring it out and then wash it/put it away. If you are ordering food, other drinks etc. then I don’t think it’s an issue, but if that’s all you are ordering you are taking the piss.

In general customers ordering tap water are seen as a bit tight in cafes and restaurants

Is this really true, even if you order a starter and main?

I'm trying to eat healthily and avoid diet fizzy drinks and juice.

I'd hate to think I'd being judged.

randomsabreuse · 07/09/2023 14:43

M4J4 · 07/09/2023 12:46

In general customers ordering tap water are seen as a bit tight in cafes and restaurants

Is this really true, even if you order a starter and main?

I'm trying to eat healthily and avoid diet fizzy drinks and juice.

I'd hate to think I'd being judged.

Show quote history

I'd hope not. Not if you're eating 2 courses anyway.

If I'm driving I don't really want to be stuck on sweet drinks (and there's a limit to how much coke) and if I'm not I'll often have water as well as an alcoholic drink to minimise headaches...

Generally if I order tap water it's because there's nothing I want more - which is more of a judgement on the menu than me being "tight". If there's a nice (sweetener free) tonic, appealing alcohol free cocktail or similar I'll go for that.

Reugny · 07/09/2023 15:08

MrsB74 · 06/09/2023 20:31

In general customers ordering tap water are seen as a bit tight in cafes and restaurants - given the current economic climate though it must be getting more common. They do still have to take the time to fill the glass, bring it out and then wash it/put it away. If you are ordering food, other drinks etc. then I don’t think it’s an issue, but if that’s all you are ordering you are taking the piss.

Right so myself, my DP and friends are tight because we tend to order at restaurants and pubs (if we are eating) food, some drinks and some tap water.

If I go into a cafe I'm likely to have a coffee and what I order my DD depends on the time and what she wants. Sometimes she just has tap water other times she gets a different drink.

Codependantnomore · 07/09/2023 17:03

If I go into a cafe I'm likely to have a coffee and what I order my DD depends on the time and what she wants. Sometimes she just has tap water other times she gets a different drink

Yeah that would be tight alright.

Carnewb · 07/09/2023 23:20

MrsB74 · 06/09/2023 20:31

In general customers ordering tap water are seen as a bit tight in cafes and restaurants - given the current economic climate though it must be getting more common. They do still have to take the time to fill the glass, bring it out and then wash it/put it away. If you are ordering food, other drinks etc. then I don’t think it’s an issue, but if that’s all you are ordering you are taking the piss.

We put bottles of tap water on every diners table and it's set with glasses, some people on the table don't order other drinks at all - and that's fine.
But no, we don't let people just have tap water and sit at a table unless they're a bit unwell or something.
It's a business at the end of the day and you're not actually a customer unless you're parting with money and tables, chairs and service come with being a customer.
If someone came in and wanted a glass of water then fine, but drink it straight away and be on your way - don't expect the things that come with being a customer when you're not actually a customer.