Alcohol banned when house in session

The speaker of the lower house, Jan Hamáček, has banned the sale of alcohol on the premises of the lower chamber when the house is in session. Mr. Hamáček made the move in response to appeals by members of the ANO party which criticized the fact that MPs drink during sessions of the lower chamber. Critics within the party noted that since drinking at work is not allowed elsewhere there is no reason for MPs to have special privileges in this respect.