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.
