British embarrassment over asking for tap water in bars fuels plastic bottle waste – survey
by Rebecca Smithers from on (#2P2AQ)
Consumers are needlessly buying bottled water in restaurants and pubs because they feel awkward asking for free tap water, says environmental charity
UK consumers who are too embarrassed to ask a pub or restaurant for a glass of tap water or a refill of their empty bottle are helping to fuel the rising tide of discarded single-use plastic drinks bottles, according to a new survey.
Only a quarter of people admitted to knowing their legal rights when it comes to asking for a glass of tap water, while a third admit to feeling awkward when asking for water for a reusable bottle even if they are buying something else, according to research commissioned by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and Brita UK, a manufacturer of filter jugs.