Most Vienna restaurants charge for tap water

Most restaurants and cafés in Vienna charge for tap water, even when customers order food or other drinks, according to a sample survey by the Vienna Chamber of Labour reported by ORF. Only three of the 30 venues surveyed served it free of charge.

The survey found that 23 venues charged for tap water in those circumstances. A half-litre cost between 0.80 and 3.60 euros, while a quarter-litre cost between 0.40 and 1.80 euros.

In four establishments, a glass of water was free when customers bought other drinks, but they were charged for soft drinks mixed with tap water to make up 0.5 litres. In three other venues, the arrangement was reversed: tap water was charged for, while mixing a soft drink with water was free.

The surcharge for a 0.5-litre soft drink mixed with tap water ranged from 0.30 to two euros, depending on the venue.

The Chamber of Labour said average prices for half a litre of tap water in Vienna’s restaurants and cafés have risen by almost 48 per cent since its 2014 survey, from 1.39 euros to 2.05 euros. Inflation increased by 44 per cent over the same period.

“Tap water should remain free when customers eat at the establishment or order other drinks,” said Chamber of Labour expert Gabriele Zgubic. She added that, given the cost of 2.27 euros for 1,000 litres of tap water, venues should at least charge a reasonable price.