FOIA is widely viewed as a barometer of its transparency. Under the law, citizens and foreigners can compel the government to turn over copies of federal records for zero or little cost. Anyone who seeks information through the law is generally supposed to get it unless disclosure would hurt national security, violate personal privacy or expose business secrets or confidential decision-making in certain areas. It cited such exceptions a record 546,574 times last year.

"The public is frustrated and unhappy with the pace of responses and the amount of information provided," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said at the same congressional hearing. "There's a common reaction for anybody who has any experience with it that it doesn't function well."

John Cook, the incoming new editor at the Intercept, the online magazineDisclaimer: London Drum has no association with this bar, and details can change at short notice. You should always reconfirm the information before making plans

More pubs nearby

There are lots of other pubs and bars nearby:

The Railway Tavern is in Commercial Road, Limehouse. It is less than ¼ mile from Jack's Bar, and offers karaoke nights, TV for sporting events, dart board

BJ's White Swan is a London bar at 556 Commercial Road in Limehouse, London. Jack's Bar is less than ¼ mile away

The White Horse is in White Horse Road, Shadwell. It is less than ¼ mile from Jack's Bar. The White Horse is a pub that serves a variety of beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of pub snacks.

The Old Ship is at 17 Barnes