I've lived in Atlanta, Georgia for the past decade. In all this time, I've noticed a disturbing trend in our bars and restaurants - they force patrons to buy overpriced bottled water instead of providing tap water for free. This is not only an inconvenience but also an unnecessary expense for consumers who are simply looking to quench their thirst.

Water is a basic human necessity, yet many establishments in our state exploit this need by charging exorbitant prices for bottled water. According to the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA), Americans spent $18.5 billion on bottled water in 2017 alone. This figure could be significantly reduced if bars and restaurants were mandated by law to provide free tap water.

Moreover, providing free tap water would also contribute positively towards environmental conservation efforts as it would reduce plastic waste generated from single-use bottles. The Container Recycling Institute reports that more than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills and incinerators every day.

It's high time we address this issue head-on. We urge the Georgia State Legislature to pass legislation requiring all bars and restaurants within its jurisdiction to provide free tap water to their patrons as a basic service right alongside food and drink offerings.

Join us in making this change happen! Sign the petition today!