... and alcohol

Harald Rømer, the Parliament's secretary-general, has written to his directors-general, drawing their attention to a round table that is being called by the committee for health and safety at work to discuss alcoholism. It should, Rømer believes, be taken as a chance to draw up internal rules on drinking in the workplace. Could the Parliament's merry-go-round of farewell drinks and lobbyist-funded receptions be under threat? Well, Rømer argues that it is no longer acceptable to adopt a policy of closing one's eyes to alcohol abuse. So presumably managers will be trailing round the reception rooms trying to distinguish between the alcoholics and those who are just professional drinkers. The personnel department will be organising compulsory follow-up training for all staff.