Legislation regarding water in a pub/club

Kazuma

Just a quick little question, what is the policy with requesting water in a pub or a club? Been to a few places that would refuse to give you a pint of water but would happily sell you a tiny tiny bottle for €5.
My parents seem to be under the impression that there's some obligation to give free water involved in the alcohol license, I even went so far as to ask a guard, but he seemed a little surprised at the question, told me there was no law about it, but he seemed to be inventing words as he went along!
Just trying to satisfy my curiosity

hullaballoo

There's no statutory compulsion whatsoever on pubs in Ireland to provide free drinking water. This is contrary to popular belief, however.

I think it's primarily just been convention that has led to the wide-held belief that you must provide drinking water free of charge. Very few places will refuse you a free water but there's pretty much nothing you can do to force them to if they don't.

...

On the other hand, it's hugely irresponsible on the part of the proprietor not to give out drinking water because it may have major consequences. In that case, the option is to lodge a complaint at the premises' next application for renewal of their licence on the grounds that they have been irresponsible in their sale of intoxicating liquor. There is more information available here: http://www.barkeeper.ie/page.asp?menu=0&page=796.

Kazuma

Thanks, will read up on this!