To wonder why MPs have cheap bars?

[bigbadshewolf]

Been mentioned in media a lot lately re 'drink fuelled' culture and there being several cheap bars in Houses of Parliament. Why are they there? Why are they cheap? Assuming it's public funds subsidising? Anybody know?

[doodle01]

Nobody else wants to drink with them the public pay for everything in House of Commons

[UrsulaPandress]

I suppose it's like any works canteen that is subsidised. Not there to make a profit like an 'ordinary' pub.

[Catinthecorner]

The theory (justification) is they go there instead of the pub and continue to talk shop.

The reality is somewhat different

[beachygirl]

Does anyone else think it is inappropriate for there to even be a bar in the House of Commons, or any workplace not related to hospitality?

[UrsulaPandress]

Not really. They work very strange hours.

[bigbadshewolf]

Hmmmm. Never had a subsidised bar or canteen anywhere I've worked in last 30 years - mostly public sector.

[Beamur]

It's a perk.

[Sayhellotothelittlefella]

I read it as why do mp's have cheap bras

[reetgood]

There’s an actual pub in the Palace of Westminster, I’ve been there. Afaik its subsidised and with public money.

[FormerlyFrikadela01]

I know once upon a time it was the norm to go for a liquid lunch as it were, but is it really acceptable to go to the pub and have a drink during your break nowadays? Granted I've spent the past 10 years in healthcare but prior to that a had a few varied jobs and none of them would be happy if I turned up after lunch having had a drink.

[bigbadshewolf]

Don't see why strange hours justify it. Do hospitals or police or fire service shift workers have access to publicly subsidized alcohol at their place of work?

[CantChoose]

There used to be a cheap bar at st thomas' hospital for the doctors iirc. I think it was next to the Evelina!
It's long gone now though.

[CantChoose]

Convenient cross post there!

[LapdanceShoeshine]

Meals are subsidised too, aren't they? (But many probably claim even the reduced cost on expenses, as they claim for the food in their own houses that they'd be buying anyway. The system sucks.)

[bigbadshewolf]

IMO should be zero alcohol there like most workplaces. I'd rather my MP and govt ministers were 100% sober at work given how important their jobs are.

[paxillin]

There was a cheap bar at Guy's, too. For doctors, nurses, porters.

[LapdanceShoeshine]

£3.7m for food & drink in 2014/15

(It's a DM link, sorry)

[LapdanceShoeshine]

same inf but on politics home website

[paxillin]

One of the perks of working at a med school is the free (note not cheap, free!) wine at scientific seminars. I have heard similar from other departments.

[FlouncyDoves]

It’s not subsidised it just doesn’t make a profit. Also, it’s virtually the only perk for all the unpaid graduate interns who keep the cogs turning.

[bigbadshewolf]

There shouldn't be any unpaid graduate interns! But that's a whole other discussion! Is re the wealthiest in society having access to such opportunities. Only v weathly young people can do unpaid internships in Westminster assuming they are for months not a few weeks.

[paxillin]

So the bar in the Commons has to run for profit in your opinion? Or is this a puritanical objection to any alcohol at all? They might be your morals, but you can't expect everyone to have the same.

[Bourdic]

I sometimes work strange hours - we have access to a coffee machine

[Bourdic]

The bars are subsidised surely?

[UrsulaPandress]

What about the restaurants? Should they go as well?