TIME is being called on work-time drinking for council office staff and councillors.

Last orders is being taken at the in-house bar at County Hall, Durham, during the working day.

The decision is part of a new authority-wide policy on drugs, substance and alcohol misuse agreed by Durham County Council's cabinet on Monday.

It puts an end to 'pie and pint' lunches in the County Hall bar, and at other county council workplaces across Durham.

But it does not prevent staff going to pubs off-site or to private functions being staged in the bar for retirements, anniversaries and official civic events.

Council leader Ken Manton said the introduction of a 'dry workplace' was part of a policy geared towards combating the potential negative effects of all substance misuse.

He said: "It doesn't mean that the bar at County Hall is being misused or that there is any sort of problem of excess drinking during working hours.

"As a responsible employer it's our way of responding to our health and safety commitments to our elected members and staff, and of ensuring the delivery of high quality services to the community."

Coun Manton said surveys calculate that alcohol alone costs the UK between 15 and 17 million lost working days every year.

He said: "Apart from contributing towards ill-health statistics, substance misuse can lead to an increased risk of accidents at work, have a poor effect on relationships, behaviour and morale, and lead to reduced work performance.

"If our new policy can help to avoid any or all of those it will be worth it."

A smoking ban is already in force in county council buildings and the day-time drinking ban is expected to be implemented in coming days.