British doctors accused of drunken antics

The British Medical Association, known for its impassioned opposition of binge drinking allegedly has developed a reputation for drunken antics.

Workers and guests at the London headquarters of the doctors' group have been accused of engaging in questionable drunken behaviors, while association officials are attempting to control binge drinking by the public, The Sunday Times of London reported.

Local residents have alleged guests of the association, which occasionally rents out it facilities for social functions, are causing disturbances with their drunken antics.

The late-night functions also have been linked to a recent spate of automobile vandalism in the area, the newspaper said.

A source in the Department of Health said the fact the doctors want to keep their facility open two hours longer at night simply adds to the apparent hypocrisy.

It's ironic that they want to extend their drinking time by two hours -- patients would be happy if they agreed to work an extra two to three hours, the unnamed source said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International