I recently went on vacation and experienced this for the first time,
I have never personally done it myself, but when I was in Florida one of my friends would do it every time they entered an establishment they would buy a drink they would drink the drink during the time there and then on their way out they would refill it on the soda fountain. Asked them about it and the response was that they found the establishments that have the soda fountain able to be used by customers generally seemed to have a free refill policy.
I have never heard of that, it’s not a thing in my state, and I don’t think they actually do, but nonetheless I never saw her get stopped by any employee for doing it, and just by sitting at the table eating I could see that it definitely was not just her doing it.
I have no clue what state you could be from where soda fountains in the dining room aren’t free refills.
I’m from VA and lived in a few different states. I’ve work in fast food. The syrup and carbonated water combo is cheap. The cup is more expensive. Most restaurants would pay the few cents and keep the customer coming back. I always used to refill my soda when I left places. I’ve been cutting back on soda, so I don’t do that anymore.
The ‘trick’ the fast food workers are supposed to look out for is the customer asking for a cup for water and then filling it with soda. Most cashiers don’t care enough to track you though.
You’re actually the odd one out here. Free refills are nearly universal across the US
Places that limit free refills only say that because people try to abuse the system and load up a gallon container.
Those places, channel your inner boomer and feigning ignorance if you’re caught.
I’m seeing that apparently but yeah, I’m up in Maine close to the border, almost every establishment that has those machines generally also have a sign that says no refill and I really can’t think of any place here that advertises refills as free outside of coffee at dine in establishments.
For sit down restaurants, that’s truly bizarre. Why would I pay $3.50 for a small glass of soda that’s half full of ice unless I’m going to pound 3 of them?