The bars in the Houses of Parliament will not have to abide by the 10pm curfew imposed on England and Wales.
The new rules came into force last week in an attempt to stem a nationwide spike in Covid-19 cases.
All pubs, bars, restaurants and shops in Wales are required to stop selling booze at 10pm after a string of coronavirus cases were linked to people failing to social distance while intoxicated.
Why are the bars in Parliament not closing at 10pm?
The Times reported that facilities serving alcohol on the parliamentary estate are to be exempt on the basis that they fall under the description of “a workplace canteen”.
The regulations in England announced by the Prime Minister state that “workplace canteens may remain open where there is no practical alternative for staff at that workplace to obtain food”.
According to the Times, staff and and customers in the Palace of Westminster will not be required to follow stricter rules on face coverings introduced for other pubs and bars.
As anyone who has popped into the local for a pint can attest, upon entry you have to give your name and number to help with potential as there will be a seperate team that acts as the point of contact for any suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases among MPs and staff on the estate.
Speaking to The Times, a spokeswoman for the House of Commons confirmed the current restrictions on hospitality would not be applying to those in Parliament.
She said: “We continue to follow social distancing and cleaning measures as a Covid-secure workplace in order to reduce the transmission of the disease through social distancing signage, one way systems, socially distanced seating arrangements, contactless payments, marshalling and additional cleaning.”
