The Local Government Association (LGA)has accused restaurant owners of fuelling the nation’s obesity crisis by failing to put tap water on tables.
According to a survey by the LGA, only 30% of diners drink tap water when eating out, mainly due to the fact that many of the restaurants only offer tap water on request, although there are legal requirements that licensed premises provide water.
The problem with this, according to the LGA, is that most diners do not ask for water. The LGA says that restaurant owners should take responsibility by providing water on the table as a matter of course and not wait for people to ask for it.
According to the survey, one in eight individuals who say that they generally drink tap water at home said they would feel awkward ordering it in a restaurant.
The LGA stated that Government should use its childhood obesity strategy to encourage restaurateurs to take responsibility and offer the choice of tap water together with all the other choices generally given, such as tea, coffee, alcohol and sugary drinks.
A recent study done at Cambridge University found that cutting out the equivalent of a single glass of orange squash a day will reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by a massive 25%.
Sugary drinks are the biggest source of dietary sugars for all age groups in the UK, and it is important that children especially are offered an alternative drink; it may also dissuade adults from ordering another alcoholic drink.
The National Hydration Council has found children only get a quarter of the daily water they need. Obesity is a growing problem in the UK, with NHS obesity costs being around £47bn (half its total budget), and it is more acute among children. One in five primary school leavers is obese, and dental costs have gone up by 60% since 2010/11.
Izzi Seccombe, the LGA’s community wellbeing spokeswoman, said: “While most restaurants will happily provide a glass of tap water on request, we’re saying it shouldn’t be something you have to ask for. Some people may be too embarrassed. Others may simply forget it’s an option.â€
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