Keith Mack
In the UK, there are laws in place that require licensed premises to provide free potable water to customers upon request. This means that pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants, among other licensed establishments, must give customers water if they ask for it. However, there is some ambiguity around whether these businesses can charge for the use of a glass or their service when providing the water. While it is not illegal to refuse water to someone who hasn't purchased anything, it is generally frowned upon, and there have been discussions about whether it goes against the spirit of the law. In terms of water supply, it is not illegal for a landlord or neighbour to cut off your water supply, but they can only do so when carrying out repairs or in emergencies. Water companies are required to provide constant water supplies and must give advance notice of any planned interruptions.
Is it against the law to deny someone water in the UK?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Licensed premises in England, Wales and Scotland required by law to provide water | Yes |
| Licensed premises in Northern Ireland required by law to provide water | No |
| Customers required to pay for water | No |
| Customers required to pay for the use of a glass | Yes |
| Customers required to pay for service | Yes |
| Landlords allowed to cut off water supply | Yes, in case of repair works or emergencies |
| Water company allowed to cut off water supply | Yes, in case of repair works or emergencies |
| Neighbour allowed to cut off water supply | Yes |
| Compensation for water supply interruption | £20 |
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What You'll Learn
- UK law requires licensed premises to provide free potable water to customers
- Businesses can charge for the glass or service when serving free water
- There is no law requiring the provision of free water in Northern Ireland
- A landlord can only cut off a tenant's water supply in emergencies or repairs
- A water company must provide 48 hours' notice before planned interruptions
UK law requires licensed premises to provide free potable water to customers
In the UK, there is a legal requirement for licensed premises to provide free potable water to customers upon request. This applies to England, Wales, and Scotland, although Northern Ireland has no such law. Pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, and community halls are all included, as long as they are authorised to serve alcohol.
The Licensing Act 2003 states that "free potable water" must be provided to customers where it is "reasonably available". This means that if a premises has lost its mains water supply and has no access to drinking water, it may be reasonable to refuse. However, the act does not specify what constitutes 'reasonably available'. The act was amended in 2010 and again in 2014 to make the provision of free water a mandatory requirement.
While the law does not define who is a customer, it is generally understood that a customer is someone who has purchased goods or services. Some establishments may try to refuse tap water to those who have not bought anything, or they may charge for the use of a glass or their service. However, this goes against the spirit of the law, and customers can complain to the local authority if they feel they have been refused their rights. There is a penalty for failing to serve tap water to a customer, including a possible prison sentence, an unlimited fine, and a licence review.
Despite the law, many people in the UK are unsure of their rights to free drinking water and feel awkward asking for it. A survey by Keep Britain Tidy found that only 25% of people knew when they could ask for water for free, while 71% felt uncomfortable requesting water if they were not a customer.
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Businesses can charge for the glass or service when serving free water
In the UK, all licensed premises in England, Wales, and Scotland are required by law to provide "free potable water" to customers upon request. This includes pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, and community halls, as long as they are authorised to serve alcohol. However, these premises are allowed to charge customers for the use of a glass or their service when providing "free" tap water. This means that while the water itself must be provided free of charge, businesses can charge a small fee for the glass or the service of providing the water.
This practice is specifically allowed under current UK law, and it serves as a solution for pubs and bars that want to provide water to customers without incurring additional costs. While some may argue that charging for the glass or service goes against the spirit of providing free water, it is a legally permissible way for businesses to recover some of the costs associated with providing this service.
It is worth noting that there are no specific laws regarding the provision of drinking water in licensed premises in Northern Ireland. Additionally, while Canada is part of the UK Commonwealth and often follows UK laws, there is no explicit mention of whether businesses can charge for the glass or service when providing free water.
In other parts of the world, such as California, there are conflicting reports about whether it is legal to charge for water. While some claim that it is illegal for businesses to charge for water, others argue that there is no specific law prohibiting it. However, it is worth noting that California has water conservation rules that prohibit businesses from providing water unless the customer specifically requests it.
Overall, while the UK law requires licensed premises to provide free potable water, businesses can legally charge for the glass or service associated with providing this water. This allows them to balance the need to provide a vital service to customers while also recovering some of the costs involved.
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There is no law requiring the provision of free water in Northern Ireland
While many in the hospitality industry consider providing water for customers to be standard practice, there is no legal requirement for businesses in Northern Ireland to provide free water to customers. This means that businesses have no obligation to provide customers with free tap water, and it must be paid for. However, some premises may offer free tap water as a gesture of goodwill.
In England and Wales, the rules are different. Here, the provision of free water is dictated by whether or not the business is a licensed premise. Licensed premises are required by law to provide "free potable water" or "free portable water" to their customers upon request. This includes pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, takeaway food and drink outlets, cinemas, theatres, and even village and community halls, as long as they are authorised to serve alcohol. In Scotland, a similar law applies, but the wording is slightly different, specifying "tap water fit for drinking".
Unlike in other parts of the UK, there are no laws on the books in Northern Ireland requiring the provision of free water in licensed premises. This means that, while a business in Northern Ireland may choose to offer free water as a courtesy, there is no legal obligation to do so.
It is worth noting that there is guidance from the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland stating that children "must have easy access at all times to free, fresh, preferably chilled water". Additionally, all UK employers must provide free drinking water in the workplace for their employees at all times.
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A landlord can only cut off a tenant's water supply in emergencies or repairs
In the UK, landlords are not permitted to cut off the water supply to a rented property, even if a tenant is behind on rent. Doing so is considered harassment and is illegal. Landlords have a legal duty to ensure that tenants have access to water. They can only turn off the water supply when plumbing, building, or repair works need to be carried out, and they must give notice first.
If a landlord cuts off a tenant's water supply without notifying them, it may be classed as harassment. Tenants have strong legal protections, and landlords must use the proper legal channels to resolve disputes. If a landlord restricts a tenant's water supply out of malice or as a tactic to pressure them to pay overdue rent, tenants should refer to their contract, which should mention their right to running water. If the landlord does not restore the water supply, tenants can engage a legal expert.
In the case of emergencies, such as a burst water pipe, a landlord or water company can cut off the water supply. Water companies are regulated by the Water Industry Act 1991, which governs the provision of water supply and sewerage services. This regulatory framework ensures the proper functioning of water companies and protects consumers' interests. Water companies are duty-bound to provide a constant supply of water and can be entitled to compensation if the water supply is not restored within a reasonable timeframe.
It is important for tenants to understand their rights regarding water supply. They should know that it is illegal for landlords to cut off their water supply as a means of forcing them to leave or pay rent. Only the water company, following legal procedures, can interrupt the supply for valid reasons.
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A water company must provide 48 hours' notice before planned interruptions
Water companies are required by law to give advance notice of at least 48 hours before carrying out planned works that will interrupt or cut off the water supply. This law is in place to ensure that customers can make arrangements for their daily needs. Planned interruptions are usually required for maintenance or upgrade works on pipes, pumps, or treatment facilities, which may necessitate a temporary suspension or reduction of the water supply to specific areas.
Water companies use various methods to notify their customers about planned interruptions. Customers may receive a letter, email, or text message directly from the supplier. Additionally, local notices such as posters or signs may be displayed in public places within the affected areas. These notifications aim to ensure that all impacted customers are informed about the interruption in a timely manner.
It is important to distinguish between planned and unplanned interruptions. In the case of emergencies, such as burst pipes, leaks, or equipment failures, water companies are not required to provide 48 hours' notice. Instead, they should work swiftly to restore the supply and keep customers informed about the situation.
If a water supply is disconnected or interrupted without proper notice, customers have the right to raise a complaint and may be entitled to compensation. Customers can contact their water supplier directly to address the issue. If the problem persists, they can escalate the complaint to the relevant regulatory body, such as Ofwat in England and Wales, which sets standards for reliability and customer service.
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Frequently asked questions
In England, Wales, and Scotland, licensed premises that serve alcohol are required by law to provide free potable water to customers upon request. This includes pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and theatres. In Northern Ireland, there are no laws regarding the provision of drinking water in licensed premises.
There is no legal requirement for businesses in the UK to provide free water to non-customers. However, some people feel awkward asking for water if they are not customers, and businesses may choose to provide water as a courtesy.
While licensed premises in the UK are required to provide free potable water, they are allowed to charge for the use of a glass or their service when serving the water. This charge is for the use of their facilities and the cost of cleaning the glassware.
While it is not illegal for a neighbour or landlord to turn off your water supply, they can only do so in specific circumstances. If your water is turned off without notice of a planned interruption, you may be entitled to compensation. If your neighbour turns off your water, you can take legal action and seek compensation for any damages.
