Most diners would not
pay for tap water at a restaurant, Straits Times online poll
showsÂ
Would you pay for a glass of water when you are dining out?
Most diners say no, according to some 1,700 readers who responded
to a Straits Times online poll.
About 85 per cent, or close to 1,500 respondents, said they would
not pay for tap water at a restaurant. Only 15 per cent said
otherwise.
This is despite more dining establishments charging for tap water
because of rising costs, such as having service crew on standby to
refill the glasses, and to make up for the loss in drink sales.
Around one in 10 restaurants now charge for water, at least twice
the number from just two years ago. They typically charge between
30 cents and 80 cents.
Mr Jeremiah Ee, 25, is among those who do not mind paying.
"I don't have a choice, I need to drink something," said the
collection officer, who added that he would pay up to 50 cents for
a glass of water. "If it's more than that I'll get a proper
drink."
Of the 1,150 respondents who responded to a second question on how
much they would pay for a glass of water, 85 per cent said they
would fork out no more than 30 cents.
About 11 per cent said they would pay up to 50 cents. Only 2 per
cent said they would fork out up to $1, while 1 per cent of
respondents were generous enough to part with $1 or more.
Mr Joseph Tan, 50, who is the vice-president of an IT company, said
he would pay up to 50 cents. "If I have to pay a few cents, it's
okay, because I need to drink. I don't drink a lot of things they
serve. But if it costs a dollar or two, I won't drink. Maybe that's
my threshold," he said.
Those who refused to budge argued that a glass of tap water should
not cost anything.
"Water is free; even if it contributes to their water bill, it's
negligible. If I'm sitting at a restaurant, I'm going to be paying
a decent price for a meal, so I shouldn't be charged for water,"
said undergraduate Rachel Chia, 22. "I would probably kick up a
fuss and I won't go back to the restaurant again."
Ms Jessie Chew, a 51-year-old homemaker, said she would rather pay
more for a drink. "I think they shouldn't charge. Water should be
free because you can get it from the tap."
ST