Recently, a lot of debate has erupted online regarding whether a glass of water for a visitor in a restaurant is an obligatory element. Some believe it's an element of service and basic courtesy, while others talk about additional costs and service rules. Ruslan Petrachenka, a lawyer, explained on ONT whether cafes and restaurants in Belarus should serve water to visitors for free.

Illustrative image. Photo: magnific.com
According to the lawyer, cafes and restaurants have no direct obligation to offer or pour water for visitors for free.
"Such an obligation is not established by consumer protection legislation, nor by the rules for providing public catering services. If some cafes or restaurants offer water for free, pouring it at the table, it is rather an element of ritual, service, and hospitality, but certainly not a fulfillment of obligations provided by law. They are not obliged to pour water," the lawyer noted.
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