Editor’s Note: After this story was published, Krush Ultralounge posted a statement to its Facebook page to say it does provide tap water to patrons “at certain times,” and that the club has policies for designated drivers and to deal with patrons who feel ill.
Karl Jorden is speaking out after he said he was denied drinking water at an Edmonton dance club.
When Jorden’s friend came to visit from Saskatchewan, he rounded up a few more pals and headed to Krush Ultra Lounge in the west end for a night of dancing.
“We were there having a good time and spent a lot of time on the dance floor. It was very warm in there, so we were all thirsty.”
According to Jorden, the group of five rang up a $250 tab on food and drinks before one of his friends started to feel unwell.
As the designated driver, he tried to take care of his friend.
“I think it’s pretty ridiculous. Water’s pretty cheap.”
Jorden thought he was just dealing with an unhelpful bartender, so he found a manager, hoping they could help. The manager told him the same thing.
“I was surprised. I’d never been denied water at an establishment. Being the designated driver, I was like, ‘What is going on?’ All I wanted was water, and they wouldn’t give it to me.”
Peter Bodenburger, one of the owners of Krush Ultra Lounge, told Global News it’s been the club’s policy for about three years to only sell bottles of Aquafina water.
“We don’t give out free glasses of water,” he said.
Bodenburger said because they don’t have a cover charge, they need to make money somehow off guests who aren’t drinking.
He said the dance club serves a middle-aged crowd and many clients don’t spend money otherwise.
Bodenburger admits Krush has received complaints about the policy in the past and is always evaluating its stance.
“I don’t believe that’s good business for anyone, really,” Jorden said. “If they’re interested in the health of their clientele and they want them coming back, they should be doing things that support that.”
He said he’d be fine with a cover charge.
“If I had to choose, I’d rather pay cover, because you never know how much water you’re going to consume in a night,” Jorden explained.
Krush said in a later statement it has consulted its regular customers on the issue.
“The vast majority have stated they prefer to not spend their hard-earned monies at the door on a cover charge and be able to choose to buy the refreshments of their choice when and how they want.”
Bars and lounges are not obliged to provide free tap water.
“Non-alcoholic drinks must be provided, but it is up to the licensee if they charge or not. Most venues, however, do provide free water because it’s good customer service and it’s just the socially responsible thing to do,” said Eric Baich, manager of social responsibility with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.
Baich says he doesn’t believe the practice is widespread because the AGLC doesn’t receive many complaints about it.
He noted that having a few glasses of water is part of the AGLC DrinkSense program’s recommendations on drinking safely.
“Mixing in water and meals, making sure you’re rested, and pacing yourself are all part of consuming liquor responsibly,” Baich said.
At the MKT beer market on Gateway Boulevard, bartenders get requests for water all the time.
“If somebody asks for water, we give them water,” said MKT’s general manager, Grant Sanderson.
“We are very happy and proud to serve free water from the North Saskatchewan river.”
Sanderson said MKT would never deny someone tap water, as he considers it part of being a responsible drinking establishment.
“We want to make sure our guests are hydrated, that they’re not seeing any negative effects of alcohol consumption over a longer period… and we want to make sure we’re exercising our duty of care for them.”
Jorden said he plans on filing a complaint with the AGLC because he does not want other bars or clubs to mimic Krush’s policy.
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