A spokesperson for the House of Commons announced on Friday that Strangers’ Bar will temporarily close starting Monday, January 20, to allow for a review of security and safety arrangements. The spokesperson emphasized that ensuring the safety of everyone working within the parliamentary estate remains a top priority for both Houses of Parliament.
Though Westminster’s drinking culture is a persistent subject of discussion, the decision to close one of its bars is considered unusual. The move follows a precedent set in 2017, when the Sports and Social bar was shut down after an altercation involving two members of parliamentary staff. That venue has since reopened.
Jenny Symmons, chair of the GMB union’s Branch for Members’ Staff, welcomed the closure as “a very encouraging step,” adding, “The House authorities have a duty of care for the entire parliamentary community, but this is particularly crucial for MPs’ staff, given the vulnerabilities they face in power-imbalanced environments.”
The parliamentary estate houses approximately a dozen bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, with some establishments having roots as far back as the 19th century. However, there have been growing calls to restrict the sale of alcohol in these venues in an effort to promote a healthier workplace culture.
In fact, Parliament’s official complaints system has noted in its most recent report that Westminster’s pervasive drinking culture is a “frequent factor” in incidents involving MPs and peers that breach conduct standards.
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