Bars and restaurants frequented by MPs and Lords in the Palace of Westminster will now have to observe the 10pm coronavirus curfew, it has been confirmed.
It had been reported they would be able to remain open after the curfew because they fell under the description of a workplace canteen.
But on Monday, a UK Parliament spokesperson said: “Alcohol will not be sold after 10pm anywhere on the parliamentary estate.”
The prospect of a special exemption, according to a report in The Times, had prompted outrage.
Even a Tory MP, George Freeman, was furious.
Earlier this month the government faced a huge row over the new coronavirus “rule of six” curbs, after it emerged grouse shooting and other “hunting” with guns would be exempted from the restrictions.
Pro-hunting and shooting groups can continue to hold gatherings of between six and 30 people because they are covered by a loophole that permits licensed “outdoor activity”.