Parched options

Overpriced bottled water at some restaurants is enough to make us think of staying home

It is hard to defend bottled water that costs 25 times its wholesale price.

Restaurants are like any other business. They operate with profit margins in mind. Often the raw ingredients in a finished dish cost just a fraction of its menu price. C’est la vie. That’s life. And the nature of the restaurant business. Even so, it is hard to defend bottled water that costs 25 times its wholesale price.

As The National reports, restaurants are accused of grossly overcharging customers. Some sell local bottled water at a massive markup; others offer only expensive imported brands. Some do a bit of both. Of course high-end restaurants are expected to charge premium prices, but the cost of water must not be extortionate.

Given that tap water is not a viable alternative, restaurants should offer premium water for those who want it and a cheaper local alternative for others. But first diners should be asked if they want water. Parched choices do not make for happy customers. Or judging by our previous postbag on the subject, good business sense.