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Last orders? Report recommends ending alcohol sales in French Parliament

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 21:31 GMT by Le Monde.fr
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French Parliament Faces Proposal to Ban Alcohol Sales After “Last Orders” Report

In a surprising development that has already ignited debate across political circles, a comprehensive study published today by the French Parliament’s internal health and safety commission—known in French as the “Commission Santé et Sécurité”—has recommended a complete halt to the sale of alcoholic beverages within all parliamentary premises. Titled “Last Orders: A Critical Review of Alcoholic Beverage Sales in the French National Assembly and Senate,” the report, released on November 5, 2025, was presented to both houses on the same day, sparking an immediate and intense reaction from lawmakers, lobbyists, and public health advocates alike.

A Report Built on Data and Public Health Priorities

The commission’s report draws on a three‑year audit of alcohol consumption patterns among French parliamentarians, a review of health statistics from the Ministry of Health, and an analysis of incidents that have occurred on the premises in the past decade. Its key findings are stark:

• Health Impact: Over 3,000 instances of alcohol‑related health problems were reported among parliamentarians, ranging from chronic liver disease to acute intoxication episodes that compromised legislative processes.
• Financial Costs: The national budget, the report argues, absorbs an estimated €12 million annually for medical care and loss of productivity attributable to alcohol‑related issues among lawmakers.
• Ethical and Legal Concerns: Numerous scandals have emerged over the years involving the misuse of alcohol during official sessions, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of public officials.
• Precedent in Other Nations: The report notes that several European parliaments—Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom—have already banned alcohol sales on their premises or restricted consumption to designated areas.

Based on these points, the commission recommends a two‑phase approach:

1. Immediate Ban: No sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages in any parliamentary building, including cafés, snack bars, and the staff canteens that are commonly located on the grounds.
2. Gradual Re‑integration of Non‑Alcoholic Alternatives: Introducing a “health‑friendly” beverage program, featuring mocktails and locally produced non‑alcoholic drinks, to preserve social conviviality without compromising public health.

Political Fallout

The report was met with a mixed reaction. The Socialist Party’s spokesperson for health, Claire Marceau, hailed the recommendation as “a courageous step toward safeguarding the dignity and well‑being of our elected officials.” She added that “the parliament itself must lead by example when it comes to responsible drinking.”

In contrast, several members of the right‑wing Rassemblement National (RN) immediately labeled the proposal “politically motivated” and a “threat to traditional French values.” RN deputy Jean-Luc Dubois argued that “the French people enjoy alcohol, and their representatives should be allowed to celebrate responsibly.” He also pointed out that a ban could create a black market for alcohol on the grounds and lead to enforcement challenges.

The French National Assembly’s President, Marie‑Catherine Dubois, called for an emergency debate, stating that “the health of our legislators and the integrity of our democratic institutions demand decisive action.”

Legal and Practical Considerations

Legal experts have highlighted potential challenges. While the French constitution grants autonomy to parliamentary bodies in setting internal rules, any ban would need to align with existing labor laws that guarantee a minimum of free time for employees. Additionally, the ban would have to be enforced by a new set of security protocols and potentially by a dedicated health‑and‑safety officer for each building.

The commission’s report proposes a temporary transition period of six months during which parliamentary staff will be trained on the new regulations and alternative beverage options will be introduced. During this period, a monitoring committee—comprised of independent health experts and representatives from each parliamentary group—will oversee compliance and report quarterly to both chambers.

Public Health and Social Implications

Public health advocates welcome the initiative as an alignment of policy with scientific evidence. Dr. Emilie Laurent, a professor of epidemiology at Sorbonne University, stated that “a ban on alcohol in a high‑pressure environment like parliament could set a precedent for other public institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and courtrooms.”

However, some commentators caution that the ban might have unintended social consequences. “Alcohol often plays a role in informal networking,” argues sociologist François Leblanc. “Removing it could inadvertently reduce informal opportunities for cross‑party collaboration.”

The Road Ahead

The report’s recommendation has been forwarded to the full National Assembly for debate. While a majority of members have expressed support, a sizeable minority has called for a referendum. If passed, France would become the first European parliament to impose a complete ban on alcohol sales within its premises, potentially reshaping how lawmakers interact and how democratic institutions project an image of responsibility.

The outcome of the debate remains to be seen, but the “Last Orders” report has undoubtedly placed the issue of alcohol consumption in the public square—forcing France to confront the intersection of public health, political ethics, and cultural tradition. The coming weeks will be crucial as lawmakers weigh the practicalities of implementation against the broader implications for French democratic culture.