A plea for free water once more
Sydney Elliot
Issue date: 7/2/08 Section: Opinion
I wasn't used to being charged for water. I went to Germany and experienced for the first time being charged for water in a restaurant. In fact, water cost more than the wine and beer. I had heard the rumors, but wasn't sure what to think about it.
All over the Edwardsville area water is free: at Applebee's, 54th Street Bar & Grill, St. Louis Bread Co. and all of the fast food chains. So why then isn't water still free at our very own Starbucks Coffee on campus?
I don't have a lot of money on me all the time, so being able to get free water through Starbucks was a big deal to me and many others that I know. Not only are we now being charged for water, but until yesterday, the price for water was in flux.
I was told one day it was 30 cents. Another day I was charged 34 cents while a friend was charged 32 cents in the same day. Then yesterday, I went into Starbucks with my change in hand, only to be told that a large water was now 37 cents. I couldn't believe it. I asked them what the deal was.
The man at the register told me a button had just been put into the computer system to charge for water. I was still in shock. Sure, I had been charged for water all over Eastern Europe for two weeks, but here at Starbucks, where I had learned to rely on them for free water?
It is an outrage. Enough people buy coffee and other products from Starbucks that I am sure giving out free water shouldn't be a problem. But I am not the head of the company or anything, so what do I know?
I know this: charging for water is an outrage, especially for those of us who have come to depend on Starbucks for the prevention of dehydration throughout the day.
All over the Edwardsville area water is free: at Applebee's, 54th Street Bar & Grill, St. Louis Bread Co. and all of the fast food chains. So why then isn't water still free at our very own Starbucks Coffee on campus?
I don't have a lot of money on me all the time, so being able to get free water through Starbucks was a big deal to me and many others that I know. Not only are we now being charged for water, but until yesterday, the price for water was in flux.
I was told one day it was 30 cents. Another day I was charged 34 cents while a friend was charged 32 cents in the same day. Then yesterday, I went into Starbucks with my change in hand, only to be told that a large water was now 37 cents. I couldn't believe it. I asked them what the deal was.
The man at the register told me a button had just been put into the computer system to charge for water. I was still in shock. Sure, I had been charged for water all over Eastern Europe for two weeks, but here at Starbucks, where I had learned to rely on them for free water?
It is an outrage. Enough people buy coffee and other products from Starbucks that I am sure giving out free water shouldn't be a problem. But I am not the head of the company or anything, so what do I know?
I know this: charging for water is an outrage, especially for those of us who have come to depend on Starbucks for the prevention of dehydration throughout the day.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
Jt Ross
posted 7/02/08 @ 10:38 AM CST
There is plenty of free water on campus, it just takes a little planning. Carrying your own hard plastic water container which can easily be filled at any water fountain is totally free. (Continued…)
Chris
posted 7/02/08 @ 10:47 AM CST
There is free water available at any restaurant in Germany....just ask for Leitungswasser (tap water)
Adam H
posted 7/02/08 @ 11:29 AM CST
So Starbucks owes you water why? Because you want it and don't want to pay for it?
Starbucks is now responsible for keeping SIUE hydrated? Should they also be required to supply you a bite to eat when you are hungry? Or an air conditioned place to loiter when you are hot and sweaty?
Bill Jamison
posted 7/02/08 @ 1:26 PM CST
If anyone can afford their damned coffee I would think water would be the least of their worries. When I'm bored I go in and ask prices and scream "DAMN" "WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE. (Continued…)
okay
posted 7/04/08 @ 5:24 AM CST
try a water fountain
Adam H
posted 7/07/08 @ 2:20 PM CST
But you don't get water in one of them stylish Starbucks cups if you drink out of a water fountain.
Grow Up
posted 7/11/08 @ 9:25 AM CST
Restaurants don't charge for water because you're expected to come in, order something with your water, pay for it and leave, preferably while also having left a tip for your server. (Continued…)
Persecuted? Not so much..
posted 7/11/08 @ 1:54 PM CST
Buy a Lexan bottle. Fill it at the water fountain. Be a bit more environmentally friendly. We're adults. Yes, it sucks to pay for water, but many people don't think twice about dropping over $1 for a bottle of water. (Continued…)
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