Source: European Parliament
Article 16(2) of the Drinking Water Directive[1] states that ‘in order to promote the use of tap water intended for human consumption, Member States shall ensure that outdoor and indoor equipment is set up in public spaces, where technically feasible, […]’.
The directive does not legally define the concept of ‘public spaces’ for the purpose of Article 16(2).
Therefore, the definition of ‘public spaces’ must be determined at national level by the Member States.
However, the directive does provide examples of possible measures and public spaces in its recitals (33) to be considered by Member States when implementing the directive, and which could be relevant for the question on football stadiums: ‘for example by encouraging the free provision of water intended for human consumption in public administrations and public buildings or, for free or for a low service fee, for customers in restaurants, canteens and catering services’.
- [1] Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast) (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L 435, 23.12.2020, p. 1-62.