Westminster Council's 'Vertical Drinking' Ban Sparks Mayoral Intervention Threat
Proposed policy to reshape pub experience in Soho and West End draws fire, with City Hall poised to use new licensing powers.
Callum Smith
Westminster City Council has proposed a policy to ban 'vertical drinking' and ordering at the bar in pubs.
The policy aims to encourage table service and more seating within licensed premises.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has vowed to intervene against the proposed policy, citing new powers granted to City Hall.
A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan stated, "At a time when venues need our support more ever, the rules on licensing are stacked against them."
At a time when venues need our support more ever, the rules on licensing are stacked against them.
The spokesperson added, "This is more evidence that restrictive and anti-growth policies aren’t working."
New devolution laws will allow the Mayor to create a capital-wide licensing policy, make representations on licensing decisions, and call in strategically important licensing decisions.
The Mayor's spokesperson emphasised, "That’s why the new powers the Mayor is getting from Government are so important, as they mean the mayor will be able to call in licensing decisions and have a say in local policies to protect London’s vital nightlife and hospitality industries."
Westminster City Council oversees nightlife in areas including Soho and the West End, which contain nearly 500 licensed pubs.
The council's policy reportedly includes powers to refuse new venue applications in the 'West End Cumulative Impact Zone'.
Philip Kolvin, a legal expert, claims the policy could damage community cohesion and amount to a threat on the 'ethos of pubs'.
Kolvin stated, "Vertical drinking is also social drinking, allowing people to mix and socialise as they wish, rather than being confined to their predetermined groups."
He further explained, "So this is asking the traditional pub not to behave as a traditional pub and to ask people to stay with the group they came with."
Vertical drinking is also social drinking, allowing people to mix and socialise as they wish, rather than being confined to their predetermined groups. So this is asking the traditional pub not to behave as a traditional pub and to ask people to stay with the group they came with.
Sacha Lord, a nightlife adviser, claims Westminster council is "the most anti-hospitality council in the UK."
Lord also claims the move is "like dragging us back to Covid times."
Critics claim the proposed plans would undermine the strong pub culture of the area while also dealing another blow to businesses struggling to stay afloat.
Michael Kill claims that standing in pubs has always been part of Britain’s pub culture.
The Soho Society, a community group, has voted to challenge all new applications for bars and restaurants in the area and object to venues opening beyond core hours.
Westminster City Council deputy leader Councillor Tim Barnes stated the guidance is about encouraging venues to manage customers to prevent pavement crowding or excessive drinking disturbing others.
Barnes refuted claims that the council plans to "ban" people standing up in pubs, stating, "It is utterly ludicrous to suggest the Council is planning to 'ban' people standing up in pubs."
He added, "Suggesting otherwise is a wilful misreading of the policy proposals with clauses taken out of context."
Barnes clarified, "Our guidance is simply about encouraging venues to manage their customers so people don't pack onto pavements or excessive drinking doesn't disturb others passing by."
He affirmed, "We want people to go out in the West End and have a good time."
Barnes also noted, "We are the country's largest planning authority with some 4,000 licensed venues."
He concluded, "We reject less than 1.5 per cent of license applications and there is a strong desire to see thriving, profitable, venues across Westminster."
Barnes confirmed the council is happy to work with the Mayor of London on licensing and has just launched its own campaign to promote nights out in Soho.