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3,000 small firms back campaign for free tap water
Mark Prigg, Science Correspondent15.04.08
More than 3,000 small firms across London today backed the Evening Standard's Water On Tap campaign.
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pledged the support of all its members to get tap water offered in restaurants and bars across the capital.
The organisation joins hundreds of restaurants and major chains, including Starbucks, Costa Coffee and McDonald's.
Thames Water, Mayor Ken Livingstone and a host of London's finest chefs and restaurants, including Aldo Zilli and Tom Aikens, have also given us their backing.
Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "Offering tap water to customers is one way that London's vital restaurant trade can offer excellent value, while minimising environmental impact.
"This campaign will help restaurants develop the green credentials consumers increasingly look for and will help generate publicity for London as a city that seeks innovative solutions to environmental sustainability."
The backing comes as sales of bottled water are dropping amid a growing consumer-backlash. Independent retail analyst TNS reported a nine per cent fall of shop sales to £248 million in the year to last month. Restaurant and water cooler sales have also fallen.
The latest bar to sign up is Club Bar & Dining, a Soho venue whose regular customers include Nick Moran, Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud and Ray Winstone.
"We get people from all walks of life and are asked for tap water by many of our diners," said a spokesman.
"The environment is very important to us here and encouraging people to drink tap water is another way of helping to save it."
Reader views (10)
An ornate Victorian water fountain may be seen on the north side of Blackfriars Bridge. Originally serving the dual purpose of fountain and monument to the memory of James Braidwood father of the British Fire Service. The dedication plaque has disappeared but the monument/fountain, on the outside at least,even though in an extremely dirty condition, appears in tact. Why not reinstate this monument to Braidwood's memory, returning it to the original condition complete with new dedication plaque?
- M.E., Middlesbrough. England.
Good for John Weedon. Personally I have absolutely no qualms about ordering tap (the only time I drink bottled now is when dining out with my fussy friend!) and my requests are universally met with a courteous "certainly" and a smile.
- Blue Baby, London
Here is Finland most restaurants automatically bring you ice water (from tap)on the table as soon as you are seated. There is no stigma about it. This is great for the customer because you have more control how you spend your money. I personally tend to eat a more expensive meal if I know that I don't have to shell out half of my budget on drink. The restaurant still gets the same revenue.
- Anu, Helsinki, Finland
The King Canute Syndrome.
- Bernard Parke, Guildford
I work in a restaurant, in Crouch End, where we have made an optional charge of 15p for tap water for the past 3 years - all of which goes to Water Aid. We have raised £10,000 so far. People love being able to contribute and make a difference - and to concur with the restauranteur above, it changes the experience of being a cheapskate to one of being a contribution!
- Rachel, London
A lot of restaurants refuse to supply tap water so that is the point of this campaign?
- Marina, East Anglia
I am very surprised to read that Ben in London feels the campaign is pointless. The point is that many restaurant goers clearly feel uncomfortable about asking for tap water.
As a restraunteur I see this discomfort regularly. I am sure that this campaign will help people to order tap water more freely without feeling that they will be perceived as cheapskates.
I feel so strongly about this that I offer free tap water on my menu, alongside a bottled water option - which is only there to cater for those who cannot bring themselves to drink from the tap. I make enough on selling fines wine - I have no wish to rip my customers off by selling bottled water costing more per litre than unleaded petrol!
- Jon Weedon, London, UK
I am not sure what the point of this is? If you want tap water in a restaurant then just ask - what a waste of time!
- Ben, London
Could you please inform me of any development of this issue and letting me know of all the pressure groups involved even the pressure groups against this campaign. Send me links with information or where to find out newspaper regarding this issue.
Thanks
- Jerry, Cardiff
What about those who don't use restaurants because they are expensive? Why not also campaign for improved provision of free drinking water in public places, eg. libraries, museums, town halls, Parks and Gardens, Outdoor Plazas, namely all public buildings and places?
Why not remind everyone of the human rights law which allows everyone in the UK to go into any pub or restaurant to get drinking water, even if you spend no money there?
- Verano, London
