Maharashtra Hotels and Restaurants Directed to Provide Free Safe Drinking Water to Customers

New Direction for Hotels and Restaurants
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other food enterprises to give free and safe drinking water to each client in an effort to preserve consumer rights and public health.  

The decision was given by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who said access to safe drinking water is a basic necessity and should be available to all customers visiting food establishments.

No Compulsion to Buy Bottled Water
The order makes it clear that eateries cannot compel consumers to purchase bottled mineral water if they only desire drinking water alongside their meal. Rather, they have to give clean and safe drinking water free of cost.  

“Anyone wanting to buy bottled drinking water should be able to do so, but it should be their choice.” The new direction is designed to cut down on unneeded spending for customers while providing access to safe drinking water.

Focus on Public Health
The FDA asks food outlets to maintain proper levels of hygiene while serving drinking water. Restaurants have been directed to ensure that the water provided is clean, safe, and fit for drinking.” Officials said the move will improve customer service and push businesses to maintain better hygiene processes.

Relief for Consumers
The move has been welcomed by many consumers, who think it would make eating out more economical and convenient. Consumer rights groups have also welcomed the step, stating that access to safe drinking water should not be based on whether a customer buys a bottle of mineral water.  

The authorities have warned that the establishments violating the new criteria could be subjected to stern action. The revised directive is likely to help thousands of customers who visit hotels and restaurants across Maharashtra daily while highlighting the necessity of safe drinking water as a basic service.