French riot police are up in arms over a new policy that bans their traditional glass (or two) of wine with their lunch, reports the France24 news service. The prohibition was announced by Hubert Weigel, head of the Compangies Republicaines de Securite (CRS), following the publication of news photos showing CRS cops enjoying their midday quaffs with lunch while taking a break from busting heads during a demonstration (the CRS is notorious for its no-nonsense approach to peacekeeping).

Naturally, some viewers jumped to the conclusion that the CRS's highly proactive riot control ways might be unduly fueled by alcohol. The idea of drunk cops beating up peaceful protesters — perhaps even “schoolchildren” (according to France24) — prompted Weigel and the rest of the CRS brass to put a cork in the wine policy.

The cops are outraged, as you would expect any Frenchmen denied their wine would be. Maybe they'll stage their own demonstration. How ironic would that be?