UK Parliament to Close Bar Following Drink Spiking Investigation
Strangers' Bar in the Palace of Westminster to close temporarily amid police probe into drink spiking incident
The UK Parliament has announced that Strangers' Bar, a popular venue among lawmakers, will close from Monday as it reviews its security protocols following an alleged drink spiking incident.
The bar, located in the Palace of Westminster, is frequented by members of parliament, their guests, and certain parliamentary staff.
The incident, which took place in early January, was reported to parliamentary security and is now under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.
According to police, the alleged spiking occurred on January 7 at approximately 18:30hrs.
A woman, identified as a parliamentary researcher, raised the alarm with bar staff and security.
The victim is receiving support from officers, but no arrests have been made.
Drink spiking, a criminal offense in the UK, remains a significant issue, with many cases going unreported each year.
The closure of Strangers' Bar will remain in effect as the investigation continues.
The safety of all individuals on the parliamentary estate is being prioritized, according to a spokesperson for the House of Commons.