In Poland, restaurants and cafes will be required to serve water free of charge to all visitors
Visitors to Polish restaurants, cafes, and bars may soon gain a new right — to order water free of charge along with their food.
The Polish government is preparing legislative changes that will require catering establishments to provide each customer with up to 0.5 liters of drinking water free of charge. This refers not to bottled water, but specifically to tap water served in reusable containers.
The initiative aims to reduce the use of plastic bottles and decrease the amount of packaging waste. If the document is finally approved, the new rules could come into effect as early as August 12, 2026.
What will change for restaurants and cafes
The project was prepared by the Ministry of Climate and Environment of Poland. Initially, the document stipulated that restaurants, canteens, bars, cafes, and other catering establishments, where possible, should provide visitors access to tap water in reusable containers free of charge or for a small fee.
However, in the updated version of the bill, this approach was changed. According to Polish media, establishments serving customers in rooms with seating will be required to provide tap water free of charge.
Water will be served upon the visitor's request directly at the table or another place of food consumption. Reusable or refillable containers will be used for this purpose. The provided volume is up to 0.5 liters per person.
The Polish government notes that the changes to the project were a response to proposals from public organizations and consultation participants.
Are the new rules related to EU requirements
The initiative is not a direct requirement of European Union legislation.
The EU only recommends member countries to promote the consumption of tap water and create conditions for its availability in catering establishments. At the same time, each country independently determines the specific mechanisms for implementation.
Currently, only a few European countries have similar regulations. In particular, in France, restaurants are required to provide customers with tap water free of charge.
In England and Wales, this requirement applies to establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
In Italy, the issue of free water for visitors has long been the subject of legal disputes. Recently, as reported by the "Judicial and Legal Newspaper", the Supreme Court of Italy put an end to this discussion, concluding that restaurants are not obliged to provide water free of charge, and the decision on this remains with the owners of the establishments.
When the new rules may come into force
The bill is currently undergoing government approval and review procedures.
If the document is finally approved, the new requirements for catering establishments will come into effect on August 12, 2026. Then restaurants, cafes, and bars throughout Poland will be required to provide visitors with up to half a liter of tap water free of charge per person.
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