Question:
Are you halachically permitted to open a can of soft drinks on Shabbos? I have invited a very religious family to my home and I do not want to serve something they would be uncomfortble with.
Answer:
There are different opinions about this, and many poskim do not allow one to open soda cans on shabbos because it fashions a nice opening, and one wants to open it specifically along the perforation. If you are inviting a very religious family, I would advise you to open them before shabbos, or to but bottles of soda, which can be opened before shabbos and resealed. This way you will be making your guest more comfortable.
Sources:
Chazon Ish 51-11, Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchoso 9 ftnt 10 ( old edition), Minchas Yitzchok 6-27, Lehoros Nosan 3-15,16, Oz Nidberu 4-33, Igros Moshe O:CH 4-79.
