Where you’re legally entitled to free tap water in Europe (and where you’re not)

Italy’s Supreme Court has ruled that being served tap water is not a consumer right (Picture: Getty Images)

A tourist’s simple request for a glass of tap water at a hotel in the Dolomites has led to a ruling that will go down in Italian legal history.

The case dates back to 2019 when a tourist spent a week at a five-star in the ski resort of Corvara, in Badia, over Christmas.

She was on a half-board deal with evening meals included — except for drinks.

According to local press reports, the woman repeatedly asked for tap water with her meal and even offered to pay for it.

Her requests were refused and instead she arrived at dinner each night t...