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3 clusters · 12 sources · 32 days · First seen · Last updated

Rising beverage prices in Austrian and Hungarian gastronomy

Overview

Surveys conducted by the Arbeiterkammer (AK) highlight rising beverage costs within the Austrian gastronomy sector. In Innsbruck, data from July showed that while average drink prices rose approximately 3 percent, alcoholic beverages experienced sharper increases, with draft beer up 7.38 percent and spritzers up 6.54 percent.

In Vienna, research indicates that free tap water has become a rarity in tourist areas. Of 30 establishments sampled, only three provided tap water free of charge, even when customers ordered food or other beverages. Prices for 0.5 liters of tap water in these venues ranged from 0.80 to 3.60 euros. The average price has risen to 2.05 euros, representing a 47.5 percent increase compared to 2014, which slightly outpaces the 44 percent inflation rate recorded during that same period.

The AK advocates for maintaining free tap water when meals are ordered, noting that the cost of 1,000 liters of tap water is only approximately 2.27 euros. The gastronomy industry cites rising overhead costs, such as energy, wages, and rent, as justifications for price adjustments. Some professionals further argue that charging for water may cover the costs of specialized filtration systems used to ensure high quality.

Similar trends have emerged in Budapest, where a pastry shop in the XI district sparked public debate by charging 150 forints for a glass of tap water. Industry experts in Hungary noted that charging for tap water is not illegal, particularly if it is listed on the menu, and suggested that some establishments use expensive filtration systems to provide water quality comparable to mineral water.

Entities

Arbeiterkammer · Vienna Chamber of Labour · Tamás Flesch · Hungarian Hotel and Restaurant Association · Vienna

Timeline

  1. 13 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Hospitality venues in Vienna and Budapest face scrutiny over tap water charges

    Establishments in Vienna and Budapest are facing scrutiny and public debate over charging customers for tap water, despite industry experts noting the practice is legal if disclosed.

  2. 15 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Vienna restaurants increasingly charge for tap water

    A survey by the Arbeiterkammer shows that free tap water is now rare in Vienna's restaurants, with prices for 0.5 liters rising to an average of 2.05 euros.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Innsbruck drink prices jump up to 58% amid steep beer and spritzer hikes

    AK Tirol’s July survey of 17 Innsbruck venues shows average drink prices up 3 %, with beer up 7.4 % and spritzers up 6.5 %; price gaps reach 58 % for mineral water, and Innsbruck is about 4 % pricier than Graz.

Sources

5min.at · erstaunlich.at · fennica.eu · imgl.krone.at · keymedia.at · kirandulo.reblog.hu · meinegemeinde.vol.at · nepszava.hu · nobel.hu · origo.hu · vlv.hu · wienerbezirksblatt.at

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history