RESTAURANTS charge for tap water as part of a distribution of business costs that include rent, utilities, taxes and manpower ("More eateries charging for glass of water"; Feb 8).
But customers have expectations about tap water and they expect it to be free without thinking about how the costs are distributed.
A similar example is the expectation of free sauce with burgers, free cutlery for takeaway food and free plastic bags for groceries. Some people take more than necessary, increasing wastage.
Because water is cheap and Singapore tap water is considered safe to drink, most restaurants offer it free to foster goodwill. Customers, too, can choose to take their business to a place that offers free water.
Perhaps, eateries could consider offering free warm water, since demand for this tends to be lower.
Francis Cheng
But customers have expectations about tap water and they expect it to be free without thinking about how the costs are distributed.
A similar example is the expectation of free sauce with burgers, free cutlery for takeaway food and free plastic bags for groceries. Some people take more than necessary, increasing wastage.
Because water is cheap and Singapore tap water is considered safe to drink, most restaurants offer it free to foster goodwill. Customers, too, can choose to take their business to a place that offers free water.
Perhaps, eateries could consider offering free warm water, since demand for this tends to be lower.
Francis Cheng
