The BBC has spent more than £110k on alcoholic drinks over the last three years.
Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 reveal that the Corporation spent a total of £115,049 on beer, wine and spirits between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2015.
This information was provided to WhatDoTheyKnow.com user Paul Smith back in September 2016, but for some reason the Daily Mail has only just seized on it today.
The figure includes alcohol purchased for production and non-production purposes, as the BBC's accounting system was unable to separate the two. Normally information relating to the production of the BBC's "creative content" is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The cost includes drinks provided to guests, as well as those for BBC "talent" and employees.
Alcohol costs by year were as follows:
- In 2013 a total of £29,399 was spent on wine; £10,926 on beer and cider; £1,353 on spirits.
- In 2014 a total of £29,084 was spent on wine; £15,337 on beer and cider; £1,310 on spirits.
- In 2015 a total of £21,481 was spent on wine; £6,110 on beer and cider; £49 on spirits.
A BBC spokesperson said: "Drinks may be purchased where there is an appropriate business purpose, for example at award ceremonies or to celebrate the successful completion of a series. The BBC has a rigorous expenses policy, which has been progressively tightened and we are careful to ensure value for money. The BBC Expenses Policy does not allow the purchase of champagne."
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