YAHOO POLL: Should F&B outlets serve free tap water?
A petition calling on the Government to mandate free tap water at food and beverage (F&B) outlets that already impose a 10 per cent service charge has gained traction, with over 2,000 signatures as of 20 June.
Launched on Change.org by Dr Yee Yucai, a consultant at Singapore General Hospital's Internal Medicine department, the petition argues that water is a basic necessity. Dr Yee told AsiaOne that the petition came about he observed how food and beverage outlets seem to be "encouraging" diners to buy drinks to "boost profit margins".
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This is not the first time the issue has surfaced, though. Members of Parliament from both sides of the aisle, have previously urged the Government to explore making free table water standard practice.
In 2021, Christopher de Souza questioned "whether table water can be mandatorily made free-of-charge at F&B establishments" since Singapore's tap water is safe to drink.
During the Budget debate in March, Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam urged the ministry to work with eateries, coffee shops and shopping malls to provide free or low-cost drinking water as a best practice.
However, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu has pushed back, stating that while Singapore's tap water is safe, providing it still incurs costs, and thus cannot be mandated under the Environmental Public Health Act.
So, we want to hear from you – should F&B outlets serve free tap water?
Related:
Singapore water price to increase by 50 cents per cubic m over next 2 years
How Singapore forged a world-class food scene over 60 years – from hawker markets to Michelin stars
Home-based food businesses stir debate among restaurant owners
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