Former landlady Sue Gray calls time on No 10 drinking culture

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sue Gray’s scathing report on the partygate row will call time on the drinking culture in No 10 and Whitehall offices. The limited report, while lacking details due to the ongoing police investigation, said the “excessive” consumption of alcohol is “not appropriate” in a professional workplace at any time. Former pub landlady Ms Gray’s call for every government department to set out a “clear and robust policy” on the issue is likely to spell the end for Downing Street’s regular “wine-time Fridays” and suitcases of supplies being smuggled into No 10. “Steps must be taken to ensure that every Government department has a clear and robust policy in place covering the consumption of alcohol in the workplace.” Downing Street said work was being carried out on the new policy, although a blanket ban on drinking in No 10 is unlikely given its function as a venue for receptions for visiting dignitaries and charity events.