Westminster pubs where MPs drink won’t be subject to same restrictions as other hospitality venues

Westminster pubs where MPs drink won’t be subject to the 10pm curfew (Photo: Shutterstock)

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The bars and restaurants on the parliamentary estate will not be subject to the same restrictions as other hospitality venues, The Times reports.

Initial reports suggested that parliament’s bars would still be serving alcohol after 10pm, despite the nationwide curfew for hospitality venues between 10pm and 5am, as they are officially considered to be workplace canteens.

However, the government has since confirmed that no alcohol will be served on the parliamentary estate after 10pm.

Other restrictions and social distancing measures in place in the bars will also be reduced.

Why will MPs be exempt?

Parliament’s bars will technically be exempt from the curfew and further restrictions because they are considered to be workplace canteens, under coronavirus regulations.

According to the legislation which Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week, “Workplace canteens may remain open where there is no practical alternative for staff at that workplace to obtain food.”