Free Refills - why only in the US?

**floridahol** · 24-08-2003, 02:17

This may seem like a stupid question but why do you only get free refills in restaurants in America? Why do we not get this in the UK?

Discuss!

**chrisj** · 24-08-2003, 02:19

You get them in Pizza hut in the uk now and some of the Bernie inne type places do it as well.

Well they do round here

**Andy & Arlene** · 24-08-2003, 02:53

Could really be doing with them in the pubs as well.

It's just as expensive to buy soft drinks as it is alcohol.

**Elaine311** · 24-08-2003, 03:42

I'm sure places like TGI Friday's do free refills of soft drinks - least they did in London when we were there last month. I know that pubs are actively encouraged to provide free soft drinks for designated drivers, particularly during the Christmas period. Mind you, it's not much fun sipping cokes whilst the rest of your party get "merry"!

**chrisj** · 24-08-2003, 03:53

I think kids refills are on the way in now in the uk, My local pub has always done it, mind
you its worth it as it means we parents stay longer and have more oursleves and the kids
always want packets of crisps.

**porky** · 24-08-2003, 12:49

Elaine, you're right TGIs do do free refills on soft drinks but only those that come out the soda gun, ie pepsi, diet pepsi, tango and lemonade. They also do free refills on regular coffee and tea.These are also the only ones the staff are allowed free as well.

Jacqui

**Chris7** · 24-08-2003, 16:00

Pizza Hut do free refills too, but try getting them!

I asked for a refil last week and you'd have thought I'd asked if I could sleep with his wife[:I]

In the States they offer rather than wait to be asked, but perhaps that is tied in with the whole service ethos and tipping which is missing in the UK.

**Kissyme** · 24-08-2003, 17:06

Hi all
You also get free refils in Nandos at Bluewater and you actually help yourselves as opposed to waiting to ask and then waiting for it to arrive.

**pbensur** · 24-08-2003, 22:18

I didn't realize that the "free refill" concept was an American thing (but I haven't been to many places outside the US!!). Is it because most restaurants offer soft drinks on tap in the US rather than in bottles and cans??