Polish entrepreneurs protest new law mandating free tap water in restaurants, claiming it will bankrupt their businesses.
The Free Water Mandate
In recent months, nothing has stirred entrepreneurs as much as what seems like a trivial matter. Namely, the obligation to serve water to customers for free.
Entrepreneurial Backlash
Internet forums were flooded with a wave of comments from angry restaurateurs, who calculated the costs of such a “free” service. They pointed out that nothing is free – someone has to pour this water, bring it, then wash the glass.
Fear of Exploitation
They painted visions of pseudoclients storming the establishments, who would spend hours in restaurants, blocking tables, just to get free tap water.
Financial Concerns
Entrepreneurs even claimed that such a legal change would drive them to bankruptcy. Because if customers can drink water for free, they won’t buy any drink with their meal, and it’s precisely on drinks that the biggest margin is.