Overview

• Germany has no legal requirement for restaurants to provide free drinking water, while the EU Drinking Water regulation only encourages access rather than mandating it.
• The hospitality association Dehoga rejects a compulsory policy, warning of lost beverage income and added service costs.
• Forum Trinkwasser says many venues already serve tap water at no charge, though typically only when guests request it.
• A 2023 Appinio survey found 78% view free tap water as a right, 46% feel reluctant to ask for it, and 57.9% would favor restaurants that offer it.
• Restaurateurs cite mixed approaches, from self-serve dispensers seen as cost-neutral to charging to cover glassware, washing, table service, and ambience.