House of Commons' drinking culture tackled

Commons staff are being ordered to top up MPs' glasses less frequently amid concerns over the drinking culture at Westminster.

They will also receive training on how to refuse to serve drunken customers, and opening hours of bars on the estate could also be curtailed.

The moves by the Commons Commission follow the notorious bar brawl which led to Eric Joyce's conviction for punching and headbutting Tory MPs.

A spokesman for the cross-party committee said it had agreed at a meeting last night that "a wider range of non-alcoholic drinks and lower strength beers will be provided in catering outlets".

Staff serving alcohol will "receive further training and support in refusing to serve customers when necessary", and "at receptions and events where alcohol was served, glasses would be topped up less frequently".

A consultation is also to be held on the opening hours of bars on the Parliamentary Estate, and there will be efforts to publicise health and welfare support on offer to politicians and House staff.

PA