Downing Street workers have been told that the infamous 'Wine Time Fridays' have “in effect” been cancelled following the Partygate investigation and public backlash. Also, apparently, the £142 booze fridge has vanished too, it emerged today.
The Mirror revealed in January how workers in Downing Street were partial to an after-work tipple - a long-standing tradition which began years ago and continued during the pandemic despite lockdown rules. Sources said the Prime Minister approved of aides letting off steam this way and No10 had even invested in a special wine fridge, that cost £142, to keep bottles of white wine, Prosecco and beer nice and cool.
However, after the Sue Gray report revealed splashes of wine were even on the walls, not to mention the vomiting, 4am finishes and even staff being rude to security, No10 said the PM had agreed new guidelines were needed when it comes to boozing in the civil service. Alcohol consumption will not be stopped altogether but when asked if Wine Time Fridays specifically were now banned, the PM’s official spokesman said: “In effect yes, because alcohol consumption in No10 for staff is not permitted.
READ MORE: EasyJet IT drama causes airport causes hundreds of flights to be delayed or cancelled
“The only distinction being with regards to formal events. I don’t think we have the fridge anymore.”
The spokesman declined to publish the new guidance on drinking alcohol for civil servants, which was released after Sue Gray’s interim report earlier this year. But he did say it makes clear “excessive consumption” or “sufficient consumption to impair judgement” will not be OK.
He added though that, “occasional and limited consumption” may be acceptable in some circumstances. When asked if staff will be breathalysed, he replied: “No, there will need to be an element of judgement here.
“There are new rules with regard to alcohol consumption in No10 and new guidance across Whitehall. Social events will continue but obviously within the new rules, alcohol consumption in No10 for staff is not permitted. The only distinction being for formal events - visits from world leaders.”
Downing Street did not say if anyone would be disciplined - either for their drunken behaviour, or for not telling the truth about their drinking when asked by journalists. The PM’s chief of staff said he “doesn't know” if former PMs David Cameron and Theresa May would have had “Wine Time Fridays” while they were in charge.
Asked if Mr Cameron would have had knowledge of such events - whose existence was confirmed in the Sue Gray report - Steve Barclay told Sky News: “I don't know, I was a backbench MP then.” And when asked if Mrs May would have while he was her Brexit secretary, he said: "Well again, you're referring to the press office.
“I wasn't working in the press office. I was working at No 9 Downing Street.”
Mr Barclay added he “doesn't know” if Mrs May would have been happy with such events taking place, and reinforced that Boris Johnson was “shocked” by the findings of the report, in particular the treatment of staff in the building.
