County Hall imposes total alcohol ban

By nle marie

County council staff and councillors will no longer be allowed to indulge in a lunchtime tipple under a new booze ban.

Surrey County Council staff have been given a blanket ban on boozing during working hours the Advertiser can reveal.

A council spokesman gave the following explanation for the ban: "Our responsibility is to provide Surrey residents with the best value for money possible.

"We also have a leading role to play alongside our health colleagues, in promoting health, well-being and healthy lifestyles in Surrey. "With this in mind under our changes, drinking during the working day will no longer be allowed for our staff and members.

"This is so that the work we all do for the people of Surrey is to the highest standard all of the time."

Here is how some Mole Valley County Councillors took the news:

Councillor Chris Townsend (Ind, Ashtead) said: "They have banned alcohol at county hall and that means we can't have a glass of wine with our meal or any alcohol with the Christmas meal.

"I'm not sure it's gone down well with everyone but it doesn't worry me either way.

"I think it's interesting that it has been put in as a change, but to be fair, it is not unusual.

"There are companies that have something like this in place already."

Councillor Tim Hall (Con, Leatherhead and Fetcham East) said: "We are in the midst of a major change in policy and this will be a struggle for some people.

"The public have got the right to expect the highest level of service from county council workers and be on top of their game.

"A number of big organisations have already gone through this. It's a major cultural change. The world has moved on and we have moved with it. In six months time I am sure people won't be surprised by this. As far as work goes it doesn't make much of a difference to me."

Councillor Stephen Cooksey (Lib Dem, Dorking and the Holmwoods) said: "I think it is a good idea. It is important that the officers and councillors shouldn't suffer from the effects of alcohol when they are working.

"I think this is a very responsible policy to bring in."

Councillor Hazel Watson (Lib Dem, Dorking Hills) said: "I was involved in making the decision.

"The reason behind the decision was to ensure that all staff and all councillors were not adversely affected when carrying out their work.

"I am not aware of any specific incidents that have affected the decision, but I fully support it.