Police object over beer and wine ban

Union says officers are allowed to have some alcohol with their meals, even on duty

POLICE have complained about new rules banning them from having a glass of wine or beer to wash down their meals.

The officers’ union SGP-FO said the ruling from the headquarters of the CRS riot police was “heavy-handed,” adding that the Code de Travail allows drinking alcohol – 25cl of wine or a small beer – during a meal break.

Police chiefs had acted after photographs appeared in newspapers showing CRS in full riot gear drinking cans of beer during a school demonstration. They issued a notice reminding officers of the “rules in force”.

However, union representative Didier Mangione pointed out that the original rules had banned drinking alcohol in commissariats but not while having a meal. He said: “They are trying to make us like priests but without the communion wine.”

Photo: thesupermat