Lyla Lindsey
Australia is known for its high-quality drinking water, and while most restaurants will offer a glass of water at no cost, there is no law requiring restaurants to serve free tap water. However, according to Liquor Regulation 2002, licensed venues must provide cold drinking water to patrons upon request. This regulation varies across the country, with some states, such as Western Australia, having more specific rules, such as requiring water to be clean and refreshed regularly. The requirement to provide free water also extends to hotels, nightclubs, and casinos during the hours they sell alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| Law | Liquor Regulation 2002 |
| Requirement | Licensed venues must provide "cold drinking water" |
| Exceptions | Fine dining restaurants can sell packaged water as long as free drinking water is also available |
| Applicability | Hotels, nightclubs, bars, and casinos |
| Region-specific rules | Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria |
| International comparison | No EU laws; varies in US; required in England, Wales, Scotland, New Zealand |
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What You'll Learn
Liquor Regulation 2002
In Australia, drinking water from a faucet is typically free of charge. However, the rules vary across the country. In some places, it is customary for restaurants to offer packaged or filtered water for sale, which is permitted as long as free drinking water is also available.
The regulation includes provisions for adult entertainment, specifying that adult entertainment includes entertainment that would have been classified as such under the Liquor (Approval of Adult Entertainment Code) Regulation 2000. It also addresses advertising restrictions and permit requirements for adult entertainment.
Additionally, the regulation deems certain liquor products that blend liquor with substances like gelatin to create a jelly-like substance as undesirable.
The Liquor Regulation 2002 also includes transitional provisions for the Liquor Amendment Regulation (No. 2) 2013, specifying refunds for certain fees paid.
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$136.08 $170.1
Licensed venues must provide water
In Australia, drinking water from a faucet is usually free of charge. While there are no laws requiring restaurants to provide free tap water, licensed venues are required by Liquor Regulation 2002 to provide "cold drinking water" whenever requested. This includes hotels, nightclubs, and casinos, which must provide free water to guests as long as alcohol is being sold. These venues can offer packaged water for sale, as long as free drinking water is also available.
In Western Australia, the rules are more specific. Businesses must provide "fresh water from a jug at the bar, from dispensers located near the bar, or by some other form of readily accessible point." The water must be "clean and refreshed regularly." Similarly, Victoria law states that licensed venues must offer "adequate facilities for free drinking water." However, if a venue cannot access a main water supply and the lack of drinking water won't lead to alcohol-related harm, they are exempt from this requirement.
In New South Wales, the focus is on providing water to prevent intoxication. While it is not mandatory to provide free tap water in all restaurants, it is required by law in licensed venues that serve alcohol. This is a safe drinking initiative to prevent dehydration and alcohol-related harm.
Overall, while the specific regulations vary across Australia, licensed venues are generally required to provide water to their patrons, especially during the sale of alcohol.
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No law for unlicensed venues
In Australia, drinking water from a faucet is typically free of charge. However, there is no legal obligation for unlicensed venues to provide free tap water to customers. This means that unlicensed restaurants, cafes, and other food outlets are not required by law to offer free tap water.
While it is customary for many establishments to provide water as a gesture of goodwill, it is not mandatory. This is in contrast to licensed venues, which are required by the Liquor Regulation 2002 to provide "cold drinking water" to patrons upon request. This regulation ensures that patrons have access to water when consuming alcohol, helping to prevent dehydration and alcohol-related harm.
The requirement to provide free drinking water also extends to hotels, nightclubs, and casinos, which must offer free water during any hours they sell alcohol. These venues may provide water in various forms, such as "fresh water from a jug at the bar, from dispensers located near the bar, or by some other form of readily accessible point."
It is worth noting that some patrons may prefer to drink bottled water, either filtered or imported, and venues can charge a fee for this option. However, the availability of free tap water in unlicensed venues is not legally mandated.
While there is no law requiring unlicensed venues to provide free tap water, it is important to consider the impact on customer experience. Offering free water can improve customer satisfaction and is a common courtesy in many establishments.
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Fine dining and bottled water
In Australia, drinking water from a faucet is almost always free of charge. While there are no laws that require restaurants to serve free tap water, licensed premises are required by Liquor Regulation 2002 to provide "cold drinking water" whenever requested. This includes hotels, nightclubs, and casinos, which must provide free water to guests as long as alcohol is being served.
In the case of fine-dining restaurants, it is customary to have packaged water available for sale, such as imported bottled water. This is permitted as long as free drinking water is also offered to patrons upon request. Some patrons may prefer to drink filtered bottled water, which restaurants may charge a fee for.
While most restaurants in Australia will offer a glass of water "on the house," this is not always the case. Some patrons may be refused service, particularly in fast-food outlets or unlicensed restaurants, where there is no regulation forcing them to provide free drinking water.
The availability of free tap water in Australia varies across the country and is dependent on the type of establishment and whether alcohol is being served. Overall, while fine-dining restaurants in Australia may offer bottled water for sale, they are required to also provide free drinking water to patrons upon request.
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Western Australia's specific rules
In Western Australia, licensed venues are required by law to provide "cold drinking water" to patrons on request. This includes hotels, nightclubs, and casinos, which must provide free drinking water to guests during alcohol sales at all times. Under Western Australia law, premises must offer "fresh water from a jug at the bar, from dispensers located near the bar, or by some other form of readily accessible point." The water must be "clean and refreshed regularly."
While most restaurants in Australia typically offer free tap water, it is not a legal requirement for all establishments. The rules vary across the country and depend on the type of premises and whether alcohol is served. In the case of fine dining restaurants, it is customary to offer packaged water for sale, such as imported bottled water. However, this is permitted only if free drinking water is also available to patrons.
In Western Australia, if a venue cannot access a main water supply and the lack of drinking water will not lead to alcohol-related harm, then the venue may be exempt from the law requiring the provision of free drinking water.
It is important to note that the information provided is based on the sources available and may not be exhaustive. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it is recommended to refer to official government sources or seek legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not illegal for restaurants in Australia to refuse to serve tap water. However, licensed premises are required by Liquor Regulation 2002 to provide "cold drinking water" whenever requested. This includes hotels, nightclubs, and casinos, which must provide free water to guests during alcohol sales at all times.
There is no law requiring restaurants in Australia to serve tap water for free. However, most restaurants in the country will usually offer a glass of water "on the house".
Yes, restaurants that serve alcohol in Australia are required by law to provide customers with free tap water.
No, there is no legal requirement for restaurants in Australia to serve tap water if it is not specifically requested by the customer.
