Tap water in Luxembourg's restaurants: voluntary but state-supported

Since the beginning of 2024, Luxembourg has been running the "Drénkwaasser" campaign, which aims to make tap water available in cafés, restaurants and hotels, either as a free option or for a token fee. The project was launched by the Horesca trade union with the support of the Ministry of Economy.

The idea gained momentum after petition #1319, submitted to Parliament, gained more than 5,000 signatures and was debated in November 2019. As a response, a campaign was conceptualised to reduce bottled water consumption and promote sustainable practices in hospitality.

By December 2023, all establishment owners with a valid licence were invited to join. By April, 280 companies had already taken part.

Since February 2024, the campaign has been actively promoted in public spaces: Luxtram digital screens, train stations, bus stops in Diekirch, Erpeldange, Bettendorf, Rumelange, Howald and Dudelange. The campaign also received online and social media coverage with more than 3.5 million ad impressions.

Important: offering tap water is not compulsory and it is up to each establishment to decide whether it is free or for a modest fee. The Ministry emphasises that there are costs involved in even serving water - staff time, washing up and logistics. Therefore, commercial flexibility is left to the establishment.

The main objective is considered to be environmental benefit rather than setting a uniform tariff.

The Ministry of Economy confirms that it is familiar with EU Directive 2020/2184, which calls for improved access to drinking water for the population, and is following the practices of neighbouring countries. However, Luxembourg has decided to go down the path of encouragement and voluntary participation rather than strict regulations.