Italian Supreme Court confirms legality of hotel that offered only mineral water to customer
A guest who stayed at a luxury hotel in the Italian Alpes sued the establishment after being repeatedly refused to serve tap water in the restaurant. Corte Suprema of Itália rejected the compensation claim and found the hotel’s conduct to be within the law.
The case involved Hotel Sassongher, located at Corvara in Badia, in the Dolomitas region, in the north of the country. The woman, resident at Roma, stayed there between December 26, 2019 and January 3, 2020. Ela paid 5,712 euros for a half-board package, drinks not included.
Durante meals, the guest requested tap water and was willing to pay a service charge. The employees only offered mineral water, charged around seven euros per bottle. The client decided to join Justiça and asked for around 2,700 euros for moral and material damages.
Hóspede argued universal right to water
The woman maintained that water represents a natural asset and a fundamental human right. Segundo its interpretation, commercial establishments would have an obligation to supply a minimum quantity free of charge, even in cases of default.
The Corte Suprema judges analyzed current Italian legislation. Eles concluded that there is no federal rule or regulation that requires hotels and restaurants to serve tap water. The decision was taken in November last year and received recent repercussions in the local press.
The verdict maintained the first and second instance sentences, both in favor of the hotel. The action began shortly after the end of the guest’s stay, more than six years ago.
Detalhes of the stay and the amount paid
The reservation took place during the high ski season at Dolomitas. The Hotel Sassongher, classified as five stars, caters to tourists seeking elevated comfort in the mountains.
The guest opted for a plan that did not include drinks. Mesmo thus expected free access to tap water for meals served in the hotel restaurant. The staff maintained the policy of only offering bottled water.
The total cost of accommodation came to 5,712 euros. The difference between what was paid and what the guest claimed in court revolved around the costs of the bottles of mineral water consumed during the week.
- The client stayed seven nights at the hotel
- Pagou half board plan without drinks
- Solicitou tap water on several occasions
- Recebeu offers mineral water at seven euros
- Processou the hotel for damages estimated at 2,700 euros
Entendimento from Corte Suprema on legislation
The judges highlighted that the decision whether or not to serve tap water depends on the commercial policy of each establishment. Não there is a legal requirement that transforms this practice into an obligation.
The guest’s argument about human rights did not prevail in the civil context of consumption. Corte understood that the case did not constitute a violation of Italian consumer or health regulations.
The judgment reinforced precedents from lower courts. Tanto, the court of Roma and the court of appeal had already rejected the request for compensation before being promoted to Supremo.
Diferenças cultural water service at Europa
In some countries, like Reino Unido, specific laws require restaurants that serve alcohol to offer free tap water. Na Itália and in much of mainland Europa, practice varies by location.
Nos Estados Unidos, although there is no federal law, it is common to serve tap water as a courtesy. The controversy exposed these differences in custom between regions.
In the case of Hotel Sassongher, the choice of mineral water was in line with the commercial strategy of the high-end establishment. The court decision confirmed that this choice does not contradict the law.
Repercussão case on Itália
The verdict, although old, gained visibility in recent weeks following reports in the national media. Discussões emerged on consumer rights in accommodation and food services.
Especialistas in consumer law follow the topic. The result does not change the health obligations of establishments, it only clarifies the absence of a specific duty regarding tap water.
Turistas who plan trips to Itália may encounter variations in service. Muitos hotels and restaurants continue to offer tap water as a courtesy, but the law does not require this conduct.
Hotel Sassongher continues in normal operation in the Corvara in Badia region. The case did not generate immediate changes to the venue’s policy, which maintains the standard of paid service for drinks.
The guest did not obtain the requested compensation. Corte Suprema closed the process after a detailed analysis of the arguments presented over the years.
