We’ve already been hit with a water tax, but according to new reports, Irish restaurants are planning to start billing customers for tap water.
According to the Irish Mirror, restaurants will start passing on the cost of water rake hikes to customers, with Irish Water confirming that talks are set to begin next week to set tariffs for businesses.
While hikes are set to be regulated, one food industry insider warned the paper there are “50 different charges in different locations, so one county might have a higher charge than another.”
Addressing the rumours, the Restaurants Association of Ireland spokesman Adrian Cummins said:
“Some restaurants will charge for tap water if commercial water charges increase. I would say over 50% will implement the practice.
“Some charge €1 for a large jug or bottle of [tap] water, which is unlimited during the course of the meal.”
It is thought the charges will be used to help restaurants with the rising costs of business operations, although we somehow doubt the move will be well received.
We predict some serious stand-offs once it comes to paying the bill.
