Drink sakes post curfew (2020)

Response

The parliamentary estate accommodates bot the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Please note that our response only deals with catering venues for which the House of Commons is responsible. Some venues are the responsibility of the House of Lords, which is a separate public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act. You may wish to consider forwarding your request to the House of Lords.

1. Please provide the number of alcoholic beverages served in Parliament bars and restaurants at or after 10pm from the 23rd of September to present.
   and
2. Could you tell me the type of drink purchased, the cost of each, and at what time they were purchased?
   This information is held by the House of Commons. No alcoholic beverages have been served in any catering venue managed by the House of Commons after 10pm in the period from 23 September 2020 to the date of your request.
   The House of Commons follows the Government’s guidance on workplace catering facilities. In accordance with instructions from Mr Speaker, no alcohol was served in any venue beyond 10pm, later changing to the suspension of alcohol sales entirely. Before the total suspension, passholders using any facility which served alcohol were reminded to have finished their drinks and paid their bills by 10pm. In the event that sittings lasted after 10pm, the Members’ Tea Room and Terrace Cafeteria remained open to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages to anyone still working.
3. In light of the second lockdown coming into place 4/11/20 will Parliament bars and restaurants remain open?
   This information is held by the House of Commons.
   As the House of Commons is an active workplace, a limited number of catering facilities remain open, depending on whether the House is sitting or not, and providing limited catering for those people supporting the business of Parliament. All bars are closed and there is no table service at any of the open venues.
   The House’s priority is to ensure that those on the Estate are safe while business is facilitated. In line with government guidelines on workplace canteens, catering venues on the Estate will be adjusted in light of the new regulations, ensuring that a service is available for staff, Members and journalists who need to work on the Estate.