re: How many people expect to be charged for a glass of water

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are you paying the same price on the two that I am the five?

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I may be paying much more for my two dishes than your 5 dishes.

A glass of tap water is probably less than 5 cents including the cost to wash it (if that). I just dont understand how you make a comparison to cost of a beer or fountain drink (which is generally free refills)

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A glass of tap water is probably less than 5 cents including the cost to wash it (if that). I just dont understand how you make a comparison to cost of a beer or fountain drink (which is generally free refills)

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I think the fountain soda drinks don't cost them more than a quarter. I remember reading somewhere that fast food restaurants in particular, make a HUGE profit on soda. Far more than on the actual food.

Restaurants can charge for water, but acting like its common place is disingenuous. They need to put up a sign, and they need to remind customers that when they order water, they will be charged for it. Other than that, I wouldn't care. As long as they don't charge you when they damn well know its not common practice to do so, and that you'll be surprised when you get your bill.

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The water you get at a restaurant likes come from the same fountain machine that Coke is dispensed from. Therefore, you have to factor in maintenance and upkeep on the machine, replacing filters, etc.

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So lets have an add-on fee for the maintenace of the pots and pans.. You want that candle lit sir?? Thats going to cost you 25 cents for the match.. I can go on and on. This isnt special water flowing from the fountain machine either there is a passthrough on it for water just like there is on a commercial coffee maker. This isnt soda water. Thats akin to asking to charge a price (on a bill) for the pipes that provide water to the kitchen.

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I understand if it is one thing if you don't "expect" to be charged for water. The fac tof the matter is that you are no longer getting the same water that you once got free years ago. The water you get at a restaurant likes come from the same fountain machine that Coke is dispensed from. Therefore, you have to factor in maintenance and upkeep on the machine, replacing filters, etc. Whether you expect to be charged for it or not, the simple truth is that water is not free.

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Your arguement is so weak it is funny is this how you feel it should go:

park your car= $2
walk in the door $1.50
sit in wait $2.00
get a beeper for the waiting list $1.00
have hostess seat you $2.00
to sit at table $2.00
get silverware $1.00
order water $2.00
look at menu $1.50
place order $8.00 (have to pay for the oven, stove, kitchen help, plates, etc)
go to bathroom $1.00 for #1, $2.00 for #2
salt and pepper $.50
sweetner for tea $.50
cash register to ring up bill $1.00
ETC.

all this to say that some things are meant to be part of the cost of business

Do you think that LSU should charge people to drink from a water fountain at a sporting event?

You realize that they are required to have water fountains or they have to allow you to bring in your own water. There is mainteance required on those fountains too.. How is this any different? If I am buying food that is already marked up to include the cost of running a business then I am CERTAINLY not getting that water for free no matter how you put it. If a place puts it on their menu that they charge for water then thats fine and I may choose not to dine there. But we are talking about it not being on the menu and charged the SAME as a fountain drink here.

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all this to say that some things are meant to be part of the cost of business

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90% of what you posted is considered overhead because everyone is using the service. that is factored into the price of each dish. when they sell you an ice tea they have an idea of how much sugar you will be using and charge it in the price accordingly. if you choose not to use one of the services that doesn't mean they deducted it off of their presumed overhead.

when you order water you are ordering an item off the menu, forget how much they have invested in it.

Whole lotta dumb in this thread.

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You realize that they are required to have water fountains or they have to allow you to bring in your own water

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that is a law in America? not being a smartass, just wondering because in France I know that is the truth. and in that case yes, they should proved a water fountain at the restaurant. HOWEVER, if they are giving you a clean glass and usually ice then yes you are open to being charged.

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If I am buying food that is already marked up to include the cost of running a business then I am CERTAINLY not getting that water for free no matter how you put it.

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ok, you aren't getting it free, they are absorbing your cost if they don't charge you for it. if you are claiming it is factored into your meal price then I ask you why I am paying for a glass of water that I may not use when I buy the same meal.

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Can you imagine if someone outside your establishment is in urgent need of water and the place tells them that will be about 3.50??

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sounds like mardi gras on st charles

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Can someone provide a list of all the even "high end" places anywhere in the country that charge patrons for a glass of tap water?

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I would expect to see it less at high end restaurants. most of those provide water without having to ask, usually on the waiters first trip.

I would imagine this occurs more where they factor down to each drink and you ordering a glass of water effects their bottomline (chili's, outback, TGIFridays)