House of Commons backlash: Parliament changes plans for bars to be exempt from 10pm curfew
THE House of Commons has changed plans to ban the sale of alcohol at bars on the Westminster estate after 10pm following a backlash.
Lockdown: Andrew Marr grills Oliver Dowden on curfew measures
Bars in the House of Commons were initially not subject to the new 10pm curfew imposed across England. Despite imposing stricter restrictions on hospitality venues, bars on the Westminster estate were exempt from the closing time. Under the regulations, the bars were classed as a workplace canteen and therefore exempt from the 10pm curfew. Within the coronavirus guidelines, workplace canteens remain open for staff where there is no possible alternative.
The Commons has now changed its policy to only allow the sale of food after 10pm.
Visitors to the Parliamentary bars will also not be asked to supply contact details upon entry.
A team takes responsibility as a point of contact for MPs and staff on the estate, The Times has revealed.
A former Cabinet Minister said: “We’re risking parliament being a centre of infection.”
This comes amid increased controversy over the new 10pm curfew rule.
Boris Johnson has been put under increased pressure to review the new curfew, amid images of members of the public in crowded streets after the closing time.
The new measures were brought in to try and reduce the surge in daily cases, but crowds have been seen gathering across the country following the curfew.
Some have called for the Government to change the decision, while industry experts have insisted closing times must be staggered.
Emma McClarkin told the British Beer and Pub Association said: “Having not been consulted by the government on the announcements last week, we do stand ready to work with the government to find the safest and most practical ways to tackle coronavirus whilst crucially keeping our businesses and the hundreds of thousands of jobs they provide alive.
JUST IN: Coronavirus map LIVE: London and the North face two week lockdown
“As we have seen this weekend, the hard 10pm curfew has led to the consequence of customers leaving venues and filling the streets en masse.
“We would like to see the hard 10pm reviewed to allow us flexibility on doors closing time and allow customers to stagger their exits.”
Amid criticism for the new rule, Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden was forced to defend the science behind the regulation.
Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, he warned the public must play their part in order to stop the surge in coronavirus cases.
DON'T MISS
Coronavirus UK: The natural supplement shown to lessen its impact [Latest]
Prince Charles warns MILLIONS need ‘urgent help’ due to coronavirus [Update]
Key part of Trump and Biden US Election TV debate CANCELLED by COVID [Insight]
He said: “There is definitely science behind it, that’s why we’re requiring people to be seated in pubs and restaurants, so that stops the flow of them to and from the bar.
“We are reducing the closing times to stop people staying later and drinking.
“And the point about all of this is that everyone has their part to play.
“If we all play by the rules, we can ensure that there are not further, more draconian restrictions.”
Former Brexit Party MEP, Rupert Lowe said: "Whoever came up with the idea that Parliament pubs should be open past 10pm should be fired.
"The contempt some of these people have for the public is astounding.
"They should remember who funds their salaries - us!"
Over the last week, officials have expressed their concern over the second wave of the virus hitting the country.
On September 25, the UK recorded its highest daily rise with 6,874 cases taking the total to 423,236 cases overall.
After this article was published, the Government released a statement changing the policy.
A UK Parliament spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "Alcohol will not be sold after 10pm anywhere on the Parliamentary estate.”
In line with the Government's guidance, only food will be sold post 10pm when the House is sitting.
The spokesperson also added no alcohol has been served on the estate since the guidelines were introduced.