AK Survey in Vienna: Only Three of 30 Restaurants Serve Tap Water for Free

"Unglaublich, aber wahr", the AK notes in a statement regarding the amount of the price identified. The consumer organization has long demanded that water must be free at least when guests consume another drink or a meal. So far, however, nothing has changed.

Call for Legal Regulation

For this year's summer campaign, the consumer advisors inspected restaurants in heavily frequented Viennese nightlife, sightseeing, and shopping zones. The spot check is not representative of the entire Viennese hospitality industry, but according to the AK, it gives a realistic impression of what tourists and locals can expect in popular districts.

Gabriele Zgubic, head of the AK's Consumer Policy Department, sees the results as a sign that the industry's voluntary commitment is not enough. She points to other European countries where clear rules apply: In Italy, for instance, tap water in restaurants must generally be provided free of charge.

International Comparison: Italy as a Model

In Austria, too, there is no uniform nationwide regulation requiring free tap water in the hospitality sector. The AK is therefore calling for a legal clarification that would at least cover the combination with an order. Whether and when such a regulation will come is unclear.

The situation across Europe is inconsistent: According to AK information, there is no uniform EU-wide obligation to serve tap water free of charge. The Chamber of Labor sees this as an argument for taking action at the national level.

Tips from Consumer Advocates

The AK advises guests to ask specifically before ordering whether tap water is provided free of charge – especially in tourist areas where many establishments failed the spot check. Those who want to be sure should look closely at the prices on the menu or ask politely.

In the long run, the Chamber of Labor says, the results could also damage the domestic tourism industry. If travelers from other EU countries have to pay higher prices for tap water than elsewhere, a negative impression remains. The AK plans to repeat its survey in the coming years to make any changes visible.

Overall, the spot check highlights an imbalance: In 23 out of 30 establishments, guests pay extra even when they are already consuming something – and in some cases encounter steep prices. Consumer advocates see this as a need for political action.

The publication is part of a series of AK investigations that scrutinize consumer behavior in Viennese hospitality. Earlier surveys had already criticized the industry's water pricing practices, but according to the AK, nothing fundamental has changed so far.

For the affected restaurants, the survey is an awkward finding; for guests, it is a reminder to look more closely. The Chamber of Labor announced that it will continue to monitor the price of water and advocate for clear rules.