Making Policy After A Pint Or Two

Making Policy After A Pint Or Two

From The Alcohol Debate by Tabbin Almond

May 6, 2026 · 22 min · Episode 105

About this episode

Tabbin Almond discusses the implications of alcohol consumption among MPs in Westminster and its impact on decision-making during the COVID pandemic.

In this compelling episode of The Alcohol Debate, host Tabbin Almond tackles the controversial topic of alcohol consumption in the workplace, specifically within the halls of power in Westminster. Drawing from her own book, Tabbin reflects on the implications of MPs drinking while making crucial decisions during the COVID pandemic, highlighting how such behaviour can impair performance and judgment. As the discussion unfolds, Tabbin shares alarming insights into the drinking culture among MPs, including reports of inebriated voting and the troubling behaviours that often accompany alcohol consumption in this high-stakes environment. She emphasises that the stakes are incredibly high when lawmakers are influenced by alcohol, as their decisions impact millions of lives. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the societal norms surrounding alcohol, particularly in political settings, and how these norms can create a toxic blend of stress, long hours, and easy access to alcohol. Tabbin advocates for a cultural shift, encouraging listeners to question the normalisation of drinking in professional spaces and consider alternative coping mechanisms. This episode serves as a call…

People in this episode

Host: Tabbin Almond

Topics covered

  • alcohol consumption
  • workplace culture
  • political decision-making
  • COVID-19
  • MPs behavior
  • cultural shift

Keywords

  • alcohol
  • workplace
  • politics
  • decision-making
  • COVID
  • MPs
  • culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Westminster

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