Hundreds of thousands of pounds are being spent by town halls on refreshments including biscuits, sandwiches and alcohol every year.
The Argus can reveal taxpayers have footed the bill for lunches, receptions with wine and celebrations for politicians and council staff.
One confirmed under the Freedom of Information act it spent more than £20,000 in on tea, coffee and biscuits in just a year.
With Government cutting budgets by millions, some of Sussex's councils have already taken steps to cut back the amount it spends on refreshments and hospitality.
Brighton and Hove City Council paid more than £120,000 in 2010/11 - this was almost half its £220,000 bill in 2009/10.
For the full list of how much each council spent on hospitality, see today's Argus.
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