A high court in Italy has ruled that a five-star hotel is within its rights to restrict the provision of tap water in its restaurant, despite a guest’s legal challenge. The dispute originated after the hotel informed a patron that bottled water would be the only option available during her stay late in 2019. The woman initiated a lawsuit, arguing that access to potable water constitutes a fundamental right.
However, the case progressed through multiple legal levels, first being rejected by a local court in Rome and subsequently appealed. The matter was eventually referred to the High Court for final judgment. The court examined the circumstances surrounding the stay, which took place at the Hotel Sassongher in the northern region of Badia, spanning from December 26, 2019, to January 3, 2020.
In its ruling, the High Court determined that the hotel’s decision not to serve tap water was lawful. The judicial decision indicated that the establishment was not obligated to provide tap water to guests. This ruling affirms the hotel’s operational discretion regarding the type of water it chooses to serve to patrons on the premises.
The judgment clarifies the legal boundaries between a guest’s perceived right to local utilities and the commercial policies established by the hospitality provider.
Topics: #serve #water #court
