BBC splashed out £43,000 on booze in past year

The BBC spent £43,000 on alcohol over the past year, but the organisation insists it seeks the best drinks deals on the market.

The BBC spent £1,000 more on alcohol in the year to October 2014 than the previous 12 months

Data obtained by the Daily Mail shows that the broadcaster spent £43,000 of licence fee funds in the year to the end of October 2014 with its “preferred supplier” Majestic Wine. The amount was used to buy drinks for presenters and guests, and also for alcohol at awards shows and wrap parties.

The amount is £1,000 more than figures for 2013 which were revealed by the Guardian in January last year.

However, it is still considerably less than in previous years, such as 2008 when £107,511 was spent on alcohol – £57,000 of which was spent on Champagne alone.

When this figure was revealed in 2008, the BBC responded to public criticism by imposing a crackdown, almost halving alcohol expenses to £55,984 in 2009.

A spokesperson for the BBC emphasised its “rigorous expenses policy” which has been “progressively tightening”.

“The BBC has clear policies to ensure spend on hospitality is proportionate and we are always mindful that we are spending public money,” the spokesperson told the Daily Mail. “Production teams do on occasion provide hospitality for guests and presenters.

“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.”