Boozy politicians face crackdown on cheap alcohol in the House of Commons bars – where a pint costs less than £3
Eleven bars, restaurants and cafeterias in the House of Commons sell alcohol, with other outlets selling alcohol to peers in the House of Lords.
TIME could be called on the many watering holes in Parliament in the wake of the Westminster sex scandal.
Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom will probe rules around boozing on the parliamentary estate as part of a bid to “clean up” politics after a spate of sleazy allegations.
An independent body will be set up to allow staff to report grievances against their bosses.
A source told the Sunday Express: “MPs drinking in subsidised bars is not a good look.
“The public doesn’t like it. Equally it cannot be right that employees can swipe in mates for cheap drinks at taxpayers’ expense.”
Mrs Leadsom will report directly to PM Theresa May who is said to be prepared to take “tough decisions”.
Conservative MP Anna Soubry claimed on Saturday that Number 10 was presented with details of an alleged sexual assault by Sir Michael hours before he resigned which he denies.
The allegations of inappropriate behaviour that have rocked Westminster have already led to the resignation of Sir Michael Fallon as defence secretary.
Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins was suspended from the party on Thursday evening over allegations about his behaviour towards a young activist.
Westminster watering holes
Eleven bars, restaurants and cafeterias in the House of Commons sell alcohol, with other outlets selling alcohol to peers in the House of Lords.
Drink is subsidised and a pint can cost about £3.35 with a pint of Carlsberg reportedly costing as little as £2.90.
In central London a pint of lager can easily set you back £5 to £6.
Meanwhile a 187ml bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is just £2.25.
Last year taxpayers pumped £2.7million into subsidising bars and restaurants at the House of Commons.
The bars have been known for their lively antics.
Former MP Eric Joyce was convicted of assaulting a fellow MP during a scrap in Strangers' Bar in 2010.
Another ex-member, Mark Reckless, admitted missing a late-night parliamentary vote in 2010 because he had drunk too much.
Alcohol Concern has urged subsidies on booze t be removed.
