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The sale of alcohol will be banned from all bars and restaurants in the House of Commons after coronavirus restrictions were tightened in London, the Speaker announced.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the ban will take effect on Saturday and will apply whether “food is served or not.”
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that the capital will be placed under Tier 2 measures, which prohibit indoor mixing between homes.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he wanted the Commons’ measures to align with the “national picture.” Photo: UK Parliament
Under restrictions, bars and restaurants can remain open.
Only the Liverpool city region is under the strictest Level 3 conditions, which at the very least prevent pubs from opening unless they can act as a restaurant and serve food.
Alcohol can be purchased from hospitality facilities in Level 3 areas only if accompanied by a “substantial meal,” per government guidelines.
Sir Lindsay said: “Following the government’s decision to move London to Level 2 COVID-19 As an alert category, I have asked the parliamentary authorities to introduce measures to align the House of Commons with the national landscape.
“As MPs represent different constituencies at different levels, with the highest level ordering pub closures, 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 maintaining our protected status against COVID.”
