Whitehall departments set for booze ban after report into No 10 events

Employees in authorities departments throughout Whitehall look set to be subjected to a “booze ban” in most work settings within the wake of the Sue Grey partygate inquiry.

However it’s understood that there won’t be a blanket ban on drink, which might forestall authorities buildings getting used for occasions like internet hosting visiting dignitaries or charity receptions.

In a key suggestion in her 12-page interim report, the senior civil servant – a former pub landlady – mentioned that each division ought to draw up a “sturdy” coverage on alcohol within the office.

And No 10 later made clear that this is able to contain a ban in most circumstances.

Ms Grey’s inquiry seemed into 16 separate events in 2020 and 2021 when alcohol was allegedly consumed in obvious breach of Covid laws, starting from events within the backyard and basement of No 10, to quiz occasions and a gathering in Boris Johnson’s personal flat.

It emerged that No 10 workers had a suitcase which they used to convey bottles of wine into the constructing.

In her report, Ms Grey mentioned: “The extreme consumption of alcohol is just not acceptable in knowledgeable office at any time.

“Steps should be taken to make sure that each authorities division has a transparent and sturdy coverage in place masking the consumption of alcohol within the office.”

The prime minister’s official spokesperson confirmed that this suggestion had been accepted.

He mentioned that fuller element on how any alcohol ban would function will likely be produced as soon as there was time to develop the coverage correctly.