Spain’s MPs say farewell to cheap gin and tonics

Tuesday's move to scrap subsidies on drinks with high-alcohol content was accepted unanimously by Spain's Members of Parliament.

The push to drop the cheap drinks came in the wake of the public outcry stirred up when prices at the parliamentary café and restaurant were published in the official Spanish government bulletin. 

The bulletin showed the cafeteria was charging just €6.25 for the priciest spirit on the menu and €3.45 for the cheapest gin on offer.

This came in the midst of a crisis where around one in four Spaniards find themselves out of work.

Alfonso Alonso, parliamentary spokesperson for the ruling Popular Party in the Parliament said the gin and tonic issue had left MPs looking frivolous.

"It has upset people, and right so, which is why we have decided to change it," Alonso told journalists.

Spain's politicians will, however, be able to continue to enjoy other cheap items of offer.

A self-service menu for €9, a three-course meal with waiter service for €13.40 and a vegetable sandwich for €2.80 are just some of the low prices Spanish MPs are up for when they decided to dine  at the Parliament.