Re-opened Parliament Bar Gets Doorkeeper To Police Capacity
1 min read
A parliament bar that was temporarily closed after an alleged spiking will have a doorkeeper to police the number of people who can drink there at any given time.
PoliticsHome understands that the maximum capacity for Westminster's Strangers' Bar will be set at 50 people, subject to review.
A doorkeeper will monitor the number of MPs and journalists who enter the bar using a tally counter. Staff and visitors brought as guests by MPs will only be allowed to stay at the bar for 15 minutes alone before being removed by security. The rules around purchasing drinks for visitors have also been tightened.
House of Commons authorities announced earlier this month that it had installed CCTV as part of enhanced security in the bar.
Strangers’ Bar closed between 20 January–24 February after a female parliamentary reported having her drink spiked. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that it was investigating the incident.
The bar is due to re-open tonight (Monday, 24 February).
The Stranger's Bar is a popular Thameside bar on the parliamentary estate used by MPs, parliamentary staff and journalists. MPs are sometimes allowed to take guests.
Spiking occurs when an individual gives someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing, for example through a drink or even a needle.
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