Hyderabad Restaurant Ordered To Pay Rs 5,000 For Not Serving Free Drinking Water

In recent times, it has become increasingly common for restaurants and cafes to impose additional charges on water bottles served to customers. While many patrons are accustomed to receiving complimentary services, the practice of charging for packaged drinking water has sparked debate. Recently, a customer received Rs 5,000 in compensation from a Hyderabad-based food outlet for its failure to provide free drinking water and its imposition of mandatory service charges. According to reports, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-III in Hyderabad mandated the restaurant to compensate the customer within 45 days of the verdict.

According to a report by MoneyControl, the complainant, a resident of Secunderabad, described an incident that occurred at the ITLU restaurant in CBI colony some time ago. Allegedly, due to the late hour and limited options, the individual had no alternative but to dine at the establishment. Despite requesting complimentary regular water due to a plastic allergy, the staff reportedly refused, leaving the individual with no choice but to purchase the restaurant’s own branded 500-ml water bottle, priced at Rs 50.

However, the ordeal didn’t stop with serving packaged drinking water. Adding to the chaos was the final bill. Reportedly, the restaurant imposed service charges of Rs 31.50 on a bill totalling Rs 630 for two dishes and a water bottle. They also levied a 5% CGST and SGST on both the water bottle and the service charge, ultimately raising the total cost to Rs 695.

While releasing its final decision, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-III asked the restaurant to reimburse the service charge and GST, which come to about Rs 33. Additionally, the food outlet was told to refund the aggrieved consumer Rs 5,000 and cover litigation costs of Rs 1,000 within 45 days, starting after March 22.

This verdict follows the Telangana government’s MA&UD department 2023 mandate that requires all hotels, restaurants, and eateries under the GHMC’s authority to give free purified water and bottled water at the MRP. This move aimed to provide every customer with clean and affordable drinking water, regardless of the economic state. Furthermore, the Commission used precedents established by the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court to declare the practice of denying free water and levying unreasonable service charges as an unacceptable practice by food outlets.