PLEASE BE WARNED
Yesterday evening we went to the No.1 Oriental Buffet Restaurant on Commercal Street, which I must say we always enjoyed. If any of you remember when they first opened a few years ago they charged for tap water. There was a big splash in The Star newspaper with complaints, after that the Restaurant stated that they would not charge for tap water in future but you must state that is what you want, if you just asked for water you would get bottled water. Since then my wife (who prefers water with Chinese food) has always asked for tap water. Last night we again asked for it from the tap but when the bill came it was printed there "Tap water 50p" this I think is outrageous and we will now try the Jumbo in future, it would be nice to think that some of you from the Forum would do the same to make a point. I would just point out also that a pint of Boddingtons is £2.80 which I consider is way over the top to charge in a Chinese restaurant.

Mmmm wonder how long it will be before this story ends up in the star

Frankly, I'd rather resolve the issue before eating at Jumbo. The horror stories I've heard about the hygiene in that place disgust me.

Only eaten at No. 1 buffet a few times, but we've always really enjoyed it. And let's face it, it's as cheap as chips. You couldn't cook for yourself what they make for you at their prices.

But to refer to the point of the OP - I agree that charging for tap water isn't acceptable.

I have just emailed this message to the Restaurant

is tap water free to the restaurant as i get water rates,have to buy a glass to put it in,pay a staff to serve you and finally buy a machine to wash the glass which uses detergents ,rinse aid and electricity to run it.also the chairs and tables you sit on don`t come free and have you seen the enormous cost of business rates these days.if it is as cheap as you say to eat then why does another 50p matter or are you just wanting everything for nothing.

So you got charged 50p for tap water and you are that annoyed by it you post on here?
I really think you should get over it to be honest.

No I think they're right. Just because it isn't a big thing places shouldn't be let do this kind of thing just because they reckon they can get away with it.

I think is outrageous and we will now try the Jumbo in futurePretty sure Jumbo charge for tap water too.I would just point out also that a pint of Boddingtons is £2.80 which I consider is way over the top to charge in a Chinese restaurant.Over the top? Really? Good luck finding cheaper.

Jumbo do charge 50p for a jug of tap water. There was a sign up last week when I was in there.

I didn't think restaurants were allowed to charge for tap water.

I think thats disgusting and down right greedy of them !

maybe the price of water has gone up due to inflation.

but back on-topic, these things only come up when times are tough. the restaurants see the gross profit per customer slipping as they will spend less on non-essentials like drinks etc, so are probably trying to claw back some of that.

water's a easy bet to charge as it has zero marginal cost.

it's hard to argue however if there are signs posted with a clearly defined cost, per medusa's post.

the only fix to these problems is to vote with your feet.

there are lots more other places to go to eat that serve better food for the same cost than the general state of slop served at the likes of Jumbo, No .1, Wokmania etc etc

You will find that no where is allowed to charge for water. Its against the law. What they can charge for is the service of providing that water.

No 1 and Jumbo's have always charged for water provision - well in my 5 years experience of using them they have.
Jumbo's also display a copy of water and sewage rates showing why they charge.

You will find that no where is allowed to charge for water. Its against the law.One of the great urban myths.
The licence for most pubs/bars may include a clause to that effect, but not always for restaurants. And they'll just say it's a service charge anyway so quite useless to challenge them over it.

i think that it is fair enough. 50p is nothing. if you don't like it then don't go.
i understand you but people have businesess to run and staff to pay.

50p for the service is not unreasonable, it's a restaurant not a charity and it still takes time to serve the drinks. £2.80 is not dear either in an eatery for a pint.

It's not like the food is mega expensive either!!

It's 50p. If you don't want to pay it just stay away from the place and cook for yourself :rolleyes:

I think it is fair enough to charge 50p for tap water.
I mean, restaurants charge for corkage - even more ridiculous when a number of bottles are screwtops anyway.

I guess the 50p is for tapage (or maybe tapas??:hihi:)

50p for tap water it's a crime.

Burn the place down right now.

it's worse when you consider they don't pay water rates.
The glass they bring it in is free and cleans itself when you leave.
The waitresses don't get paid to bring it to you and they get free use o0f the building that Sheff council always forgets to bother charging business rates for.
No electricity bill there and they get free gas.

It's a rip off I tell you. Call the plod, call the army, call the star.:o:rolleyes:

50p for tap water it's a crime.

Burn the place down right now.

it's worse when you consider they don't pay water rates.
The glass they bring it in is free and cleans itself when you leave.
The waitresses don't get paid to bring it to you and they get free use o0f the building that Sheff council always forgets to bother charging business rates for.
No electricity bill there and they get free gas.

It's a rip off I tell you. Call the plod, call the army, call the star.:o:rolleyes:

:hihi::hihi::hihi:

Jayne

50p is hardly the end of the world, but surely the point isn't wether it's 50p or £50; charging for tap water is illegal.

Note

Just had a quick look and it seems that it isn't illegal to have a service charge on tap water...

Still, it is a highly unusual practice.

Except it isn't.

50p for water is OK
just dnt like the food there
it became worse and worse
any one know any authentic and decent Chinese restaurants in sheffield?