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The president has announced that the sale of alcohol will be banned from all bars and restaurants in the House of Commons even though London’s coronavirus restrictions still allow licensed venues to operate freely.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the ban would take effect on Saturday and apply whether “food is served or not.”
The move comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that the capital would be placed in Level 2 status, under which indoor mixing between homes is prohibited. However, bars and restaurants may remain open.
Currently, only the Liverpool city region is under the most stringent Tier 3 measures, which prevent pubs from opening unless they serve food. Alcohol can be purchased from hospitality facilities in Level 3 areas only if accompanied by a “substantial meal”, per government guidelines.
Hoyle said: “Following the government’s decision to move London to the Covid level 2 alert category, I have asked the parliamentary authorities to introduce measures to bring the House of Commons in line with the national landscape.
“As MPs represent different constituencies at different levels, with the highest level ordering bars to close, I have decided to stop the sale of alcohol at the end of the House of Commons estate starting this Saturday.
“This means that it will not be possible to purchase an alcoholic beverage at any of our catering establishments for the foreseeable future, whether food is served or not.
“The House of Commons committee will meet on Monday to consider other necessary measures to protect MPs, their staff, and house staff, while keeping our status safe from Covid.”
