in an attempt to promote consumer rights and health of the people, Maharashtra Government has directed all hotels, restaurants and dhabas to offer safe drinking water to all customers free of cost. It is part of a wider food safety initiative that aims to provide basic dining facilities for all, but at the same time to maintain hygiene and fairness in the hospitality industry.
It must be mandatory for establishments to serve potable water without charging customers. This directive is applicable to luxury hotels and small roadside restaurants. It must be clearly displayed on the premises for transparency to show that free drinking water is available.
There are also hygiene standards from authorities. Restaurants and dhabas need to clean washrooms, storage facilities and sanitation practices to ensure the safety of the water being served. Violations of these laws can lead to fines, suspension of licenses and even closure under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The decision addresses a well-established problem that in restaurants you were forced to purchase bottled water. As such, by mandating free drinking water the government has consolidated the notion that access to safe hydration is a basic right. Public health experts have welcomed the move, which will reduce dehydration and waterborne diseases as well as the unfair practice of discrimination.
Industry reaction has been mixed. Some restaurants have already started implementing the order but restaurant associations have voiced reservations about logistics and its cost. But the measure is non-negotiable, the officials said, and part of a broader effort to put Maharashtra’s food safety standards in line with global best practices, but more than anything else is what is necessary.
This initiative also is in line with Maharashtra’s Comprehensive Food Safety Compliance Order, which sets out menu transparency, allergen labeling and staff medical certification. Together, these measures are designed to make dining safer, healthier and more consumer-friendly throughout the state. By mandating free drinking water in all hotels, restaurants, and dhabas, Maharashtra has taken a bold step towards protecting consumer rights and public health. The directive not only encourages diners but also signals a new era of accountability in the hospitality industry. For millions of customers, that means more trust and fairness every time they step out to eat.
