Restaurants 'should offer tap water' to help tackle childhood obesity, councils say

The LGA wants restaurants to provide tap water as a matter of course Credit: PA

Restaurants should offer free tap water without prompting from diners in order to help fight child obesity, councils have said.

Restaurateurs should "take responsibility" and offer tap water so children have an alternative to a sugary drink, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

A survey by the LGA found that many restaurants only offer tap water on request - despite a legal requirement that licensed premises provide tap water to guests - and that most people do not request it.

The poll found that while eight out of 10 people usually drink tap water at home, only a third do so when eating out at restaurants.

The LGA, which represents more than 370 councils, is calling on the government to use its forthcoming childhood obesity strategy to encourage restaurateurs to take responsibility and offer parents and children the choice of tap water.

Only a third of those polled drink tap water when eating out at restaurants Credit: PA

Izzi Seccombe, the LGA's community wellbeing spokeswoman, said: "We want restaurant owners to play their part in tackling childhood obesity by offering families tap water."

Russ Ladwa, chairman of the British Dental Association's health and science committee, said: "Beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol, are now the number one source of dietary sugars for all age groups in Britain.

"Offering tap water is a simple way the restaurant industry can play its part on turning the tide on tooth decay and obesity. Diners deserve a choice, but shouldn't feel they have to ask for the one option that doesn't come bundled with sugars, acids or calories."

According to the LGA survey, 15% of those who usually drink tap water at home never think of asking for water in cafes or restaurants, while 13% said it made them feel awkward.