Restaurant uncovers sparkling‑water scam draining diners’ wallets at restaurants
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If you’ve ever dined out and found yourself blinking in disbelief at the bill, you’re not alone—especially if you’ve innocently uttered the word 'sparkling' when asked about your water preference.
Sunrise weatherman Sam ‘Mac’ McMillan has put a spotlight on what he’s calling the 'sparkling scam', and it’s got Aussies talking.
Sam Mac, a familiar face on Channel Seven, recently took to social media to vent his frustration after being charged a whopping $12 for a one-litre bottle of San Pellegrino at a restaurant.
His only crime is saying 'sparkling' when the waiter asked what kind of water he’d like. In a video filmed at his table, Sam shakes his head in mock disbelief, panning to the fancy bottle and declaring, 'Not today bro!'—before vowing to drink every last drop, bladder be damned.
'It’s the PRINCIPLE!' he insisted, pointing out that smaller, less expensive bottles were available, but he wasn’t given the option.
The post quickly struck a chord with his followers, sparking a lively debate. Many rallied behind Sam, sharing their own tales of being stung by the 'sparkling scam'.
'Biggest rip-off ever—should be free whether it has bubbles or not as most can just put it through an aerator,' one user commented.
Others, including a few famous friends, chimed in with laughter and solidarity.
But not everyone agreed—one follower argued, 'It’s San Pellegrino, Sam! It’s the Moet of Italian water!
You should be smiling and grateful, it’s delicious!' Another suggested this was a 'big city' problem, hinting that country folk might not face the same fizzy fate.
So, what’s really going on here? Is this a harmless luxury, or are diners being taken for a ride?
Let’s face it: eating out has become a luxury for many Australians, especially as the cost-of-living crisis bites harder.
While we expect to pay a little extra for the convenience and atmosphere, hidden charges—like exorbitant prices for bottled water—can leave a sour taste.
Restaurants often make significant markups on drinks, and water is no exception.
A bottle of San Pellegrino might cost a few dollars at the supermarket, but at a restaurant, you could be paying three or four times as much.
There are a few reasons. For one, restaurants rely on drink sales to boost their profits, especially as food costs rise.
Some venues automatically bring out the largest (and most expensive) bottle when you ask for sparkling, without mentioning smaller or cheaper options.
Others may not offer tap water unless you specifically request it, hoping you’ll opt for the pricier alternative.
With everything from lettuce to electricity costing more these days, it’s no wonder Aussies are scrutinising every dollar spent.
While a $12 bottle of water might seem like a small thing, it’s the principle, just as Sam Mac said.
Every little bit adds up, and being aware of these sneaky charges can help you make smarter choices.
Of course, not everyone is bothered by a fancy bottle of bubbles. For some, it’s a treat, like ordering dessert or a nice glass of wine.
And as one of Sam’s followers pointed out, there’s a cachet to sipping San Pellegrino.
But whether you’re a tap water purist or a sparkling connoisseur, it pays to know what you’re getting (and paying for).
Credit: Instagram
Have you ever been caught out by the 'sparkling scam' or another sneaky restaurant surcharge? Do you think it’s fair for restaurants to charge so much for bottled water, or is it all part of the dining experience? Share your stories, tips, and opinions in the comments below
Read more: Sunrise's star's vacation turned horror: Discover his shocking medical ordeal
Sunrise weatherman Sam ‘Mac’ McMillan has put a spotlight on what he’s calling the 'sparkling scam', and it’s got Aussies talking.
Sam Mac, a familiar face on Channel Seven, recently took to social media to vent his frustration after being charged a whopping $12 for a one-litre bottle of San Pellegrino at a restaurant.
His only crime is saying 'sparkling' when the waiter asked what kind of water he’d like. In a video filmed at his table, Sam shakes his head in mock disbelief, panning to the fancy bottle and declaring, 'Not today bro!'—before vowing to drink every last drop, bladder be damned.
Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac calls out 'sparkling scam' after being charged $12 for water at a restaurant. Credit: @sammacinsta / Instagram
'It’s the PRINCIPLE!' he insisted, pointing out that smaller, less expensive bottles were available, but he wasn’t given the option.
The post quickly struck a chord with his followers, sparking a lively debate. Many rallied behind Sam, sharing their own tales of being stung by the 'sparkling scam'.
'Biggest rip-off ever—should be free whether it has bubbles or not as most can just put it through an aerator,' one user commented.
Others, including a few famous friends, chimed in with laughter and solidarity.
But not everyone agreed—one follower argued, 'It’s San Pellegrino, Sam! It’s the Moet of Italian water!
You should be smiling and grateful, it’s delicious!' Another suggested this was a 'big city' problem, hinting that country folk might not face the same fizzy fate.
So, what’s really going on here? Is this a harmless luxury, or are diners being taken for a ride?
Let’s face it: eating out has become a luxury for many Australians, especially as the cost-of-living crisis bites harder.
While we expect to pay a little extra for the convenience and atmosphere, hidden charges—like exorbitant prices for bottled water—can leave a sour taste.
A bottle of San Pellegrino might cost a few dollars at the supermarket, but at a restaurant, you could be paying three or four times as much.
There are a few reasons. For one, restaurants rely on drink sales to boost their profits, especially as food costs rise.
Some venues automatically bring out the largest (and most expensive) bottle when you ask for sparkling, without mentioning smaller or cheaper options.
Others may not offer tap water unless you specifically request it, hoping you’ll opt for the pricier alternative.
With everything from lettuce to electricity costing more these days, it’s no wonder Aussies are scrutinising every dollar spent.
Every little bit adds up, and being aware of these sneaky charges can help you make smarter choices.
Of course, not everyone is bothered by a fancy bottle of bubbles. For some, it’s a treat, like ordering dessert or a nice glass of wine.
And as one of Sam’s followers pointed out, there’s a cachet to sipping San Pellegrino.
But whether you’re a tap water purist or a sparkling connoisseur, it pays to know what you’re getting (and paying for).
Credit: Instagram
Read more: Sunrise's star's vacation turned horror: Discover his shocking medical ordeal
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