A WOMAN has told of her shock at being refused a glass of tap water at a restaurant because of safety fears. Viv Lewis, who had been eating with her partner at Oliver’s at Les Capelles, said she was astonished by the claim that Guernsey water was unsafe to drink.
‘They said the water was not safe and that if I drank it and got ill the next day, I might blame it on the food.
‘I asked what would happen if someone ordered a Scotch and water and was told they would be given bottled, as would anyone asking for a cordial.
‘It seems to me that them saying the water is not safe is just another way for them to sell water, which is disgusting.’
Ms Lewis, who was born here and was brought up on Guernsey water, said that having lived all over the world, she appreciated the high standards here.
She was saddened by the incident because she usually enjoyed eating at the restaurant and praised the chefs and the staff.
But she felt the management’s policy of refusing a glass of tap water was not only surprising but unacceptable.
Guernsey Water and CI Hospitality, which owns Oliver’s, have both confirmed that the water supply at the restaurant is safe.
Director of water services Andrew Redhead assured islanders that supplies in Guernsey were of the highest standard.
‘Our water quality is at the highest standard that it has ever been,’ he said.
‘It satisfies the requirements of UK and European drinking-water regulations. There should be no reason whatsoever why somebody who asks for a glass or jug of tap water should not be given one.’
He has written to the management of Oliver’s asking for an explanation. ‘I’m waiting for their comments on what happened.’
Paul Clark, general manager of CI Hospitality’s Guernsey managed estate, apologised to customers for any misunderstanding about the safety of the tap water in the restaurant and also in the island generally.
‘The comments made by our member of staff were incorrect. I am happy to say that the water quality at Oliver’s is as high as the rest of the mains water in the island and is perfectly safe.’
He added that the restaurant had been under new management since yesterday and the problem would not happen again.
‘I would also like to reassure our customers that they are always welcome to ask for tap water and that there should never be any insistence that they buy bottled mineral water instead.’
Article posted on 1st May, 2007 - 12.00am
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