Polish government to mandate free tap water in restaurants from August 2026

The Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment is drafting new regulations that would require restaurants, cafés, bars and other food‑service venues to provide every customer with 0.5 litre of tap water free of charge, on request. The water must be served in reusable containers and offered at tables or other dining areas. The measure is intended to reduce single‑use plastic waste and promote sustainable consumption.

If the draft law is adopted, the requirement could take effect on 12 August 2026. While the European Union merely encourages member states to promote tap water in hospitality settings, Poland would be among the few countries to impose a mandatory obligation. Similar policies already exist in France, and in England and Wales water must be free where alcohol is served. An Italian court recently ruled that offering water is not compulsory, leaving the decision to the restaurateur, highlighting Poland’s stricter approach.