The bar at County Hall will be closed as part of a Durham County Council health initiative.

The decision is part of a new policy on drugs, substance and alcohol misuse, agreed by the council, and brings the shutters down on day-time tippling.

But alcohol will still be served at civic functions and special occasions, like retirement presentations.

The restrictions will also apply to almost all other council buildings.

A ban on smoking in county council buildings is already in force, and the ban on workplace drinking is expected to be implemented within the next few days.

Accident risk

Council leader Ken Manton said the rule was part of an overall policy to combat the potential negative effects of all substance misuse.

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

"As a responsible employer, it is a 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.

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

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