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The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) has welcomed the change to the Waste Law in Spain which requires all bars and restaurants to offer free tap water to their customers, and has warned hospitality venues that they face steep fines if they don’t provide this option.

 

On April 10 the Spanish government decreed that bars and restaurants would be obliged to “always offer consumers” the choice of “free consumption of non-packaged water” in an attempt to cut down on the number of single-use plastic bottles thrown away each year. If a customer is denied this option, they can request the complaint sheet or book that each business has to carry; this then “could lead to an administrative sanction against the establishment,” the OCU highlighted in a statement.

 

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The change has been a long time coming: the OCU launched its ‘Ask for a pitcher of water’ campaign back in 2018, pushing the EC’s agenda to make tap water free as part of its sustainability recommendations. Now, with the return of open air concerts and events this summer, the organisation has urged the local authorities in Spain to “actively” monitor compliance with the new law.

 

The legislation will have a “positive impact on the environment” due to the significant reduction in the production of plastic bottles, according to the OCU, who pointed out that the law will also carry many health benefits, since previously customers “preferred to order a soft drink rich in sugar or an alcoholic drink” rather than paying for bottled water.

 

Now read: Bread, ice, water...what can Spanish restaurants charge extra for?

 

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