MPs may soon no longer have access to an inhouse pub or room service if proposals to cut costs within Parliament go ahead.
Parliamentary Service, which manages the Beehive and Parliament Buildings, is reviewing its food and drink services and has put many options including a 140-year-old restaurant on thechopping block.
In an email sent to Parliamentary staff, it proposed closing Pickwicks bar on the third floor of the Beehive, the ministerial dining room and the members only dining room. It also suggested closing Bellamy's, a fine dining restaurant which MPs and their families have used since 1867.
Wine and beer would still be available at Copperfields Cafe in Parliament Buildings. However, the breakfast buffet could be cut.
Other options included putting an end to room service for MPs and replacing it with "good quality takeaways". Trolleys of tea, coffee and scones which were delivered to caucus rooms or functions could also be scrapped, except for select committees. Parliamentary Service proposed setting up a new cafe or coffee cart on the bottom floor of Parliament House.
The document said that none of the options were final and Parliamentary Service was seeking feedback before making any decisions. The recommendations were based on interviews with MPs, the Speaker, the deputy Speaker and several workshops.
The review came before the current catering contract expired next year.
