It was a big struggle for me in germany. I have a condition that makes swallowing food very difficult and have to essentially “push” food down with a lot of water.

I would easily need to buy 2-3 .75l bottles per meal, so instead I bought 1 bottle and brought a reusable water bottle to every restaurant. No one complained, and I did always buy at least a drink.

But if you just let me have tap water, or even have tap water after purchasing a drink I could have enjoyed a meal without rationing my water.

I mean I’ll happily pay for tapwater, as long as it is chraper than the cheapest other beverage. Thats because many (good) restaurants (not the tourist traps) mostly make their profit with the drinks and not with the food menues. The margin is just a lot bigger on drinks.