Strangers’ Bar, located within the UK Parliament, has been temporarily shut down amid a reported drink-spiking incident.
The closure is part of a review of security and safety procedures following an alleged case where a woman claimed her drink was spiked on January 7. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating the matter.
Such closures are rare, as the drinking culture within Westminster has often been a subject of debate. In 2017, another parliamentary bar, the Sports and Social, was briefly shut down after a physical altercation between two staff members, though it later reopened.
Parliament is home to several bars and restaurants serving alcohol, some dating back to the 1800s. There have been calls to limit alcohol sales within the estate to promote a healthier work environment. Additionally, the official complaints system has cited the “culture of drinking in Westminster” as a contributing factor to misconduct among MPs and peers.
