Sue Gray's report said “The excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time."

Mamie

I don't think there should be bars in the Houses of Parliament. I also think they should introduce a normal working day, vote electronically and sit in a horseshoe shape, which would be far less confrontational.
In fact they need a new building because the Parliament building is no longer fit for purpose.

I totally agree Mamie and think the only answer is a new building - out of London.

Whitewave Yes! I agree with you comparison with drugs. Not that anyone would be taking them in parliament

Baggs I didn't suggest any additional legislation. I think Health and Safety rules probably cover drinking in many workplaces. Perhaps someone can tell us.

This piece is alarming:

www.businessinsider.com/the-hidden-drinking-problem-in-uk-parliament-2022-3?r=US&IR=T

Drinking sessions have sometimes "ended in fights and arguments and other embarrassing situations … MPs have gone up to other members in the lobby and started slurring, or you get men harassing women," he adds. "You have the same names always in [the MP-only bar] the Smoking Room, coming out with alcohol on their breath, stumbling into the lobby [to vote]."

One junior MP said party whips "would much rather some members, especially those more rebellious ones, get inebriated so they are easier to guide as to which lobby to go through" when voting.

Another suggested the attitude was "always that 'we will take it down and use it against you' — surely if we are friends and colleagues, just checking in would be a start?" Party whips' offices on both sides of the aisle have decades-long reputations for storing negative information about members of parliament in case they need it to persuade them to do their bidding.

One former minister told Insider: "The whips are openly trawling the bars — not for the welfare aspect, but because they think 'let's get Joe Bloggs, let's get the dirt on his behaviour.'"

Frankly, it's appallingly that decisions which affect all of us are made under the influence of alcohol and blackmail.

Excessive is the pertinent word. I don't think it's government's job to legislate against any drinking alcohol in work places. Context matters and sometimes it is appropriate.

I agree Mamie no need for a bar in the Houses of Parliament. If members want to entertain guests there are bars and restaurants not far away. Definitely no need for food and drink to be subsidised either.

Totaly agree Whitewavemark2.
I`m always surprised when i see workmen/women going for a drink at lunchtime then back to work,very dangerous imo.

No harm in having a bar IMO , but it seems that common sense & personal restraint isn’t in enough abundance , so it may be time for a change ,but once again it is the many that pay the price because of a few Id - - ts!

I don't think there should be bars in the Houses of Parliament. I also think they should introduce a normal working day, vote electronically and sit in a horseshoe shape, which would be far less confrontational.
In fact they need a new building because the Parliament building is no longer fit for purpose.

TBH, I would say the consumption of any alcohol in a work place is inappropriate, just the same as any other addictive drug.