Originally Posted by Jenbel

I do have a mental picture of PhilH bug-eyed, red-faced and shouting at the screen now

Originally Posted by PhilH

Exactly. The EU rules are intended for aplication before you've boarded the flight. Therefore they are not applicable to this case. BA does provide refreshments on board free of charge and is therefore not in breach of the regulations. There is nothing to suggest that BA refused to provide refreshments in this case, simply that the OP didn't want any at the time and now thinks he has spotted a ruse so he can squeeze some dosh out of BA.

Originally Posted by Disco Volante

Yes, but if you read this regulation, you will see it is not designed to compensate people who are too stupid to ask for a glass of water when they are sitting on an aircraft.