London Mayor Sadiq Khan has criticized a proposal by Westminster Council to restrict "vertical drinking" in Soho pubs, aiming to ensure patrons are seated or served by waitstaff. The council denies a complete ban, stating the policy seeks to manage crowding and noise.
The proposal highlights a tension between local authorities seeking to manage public order and noise, and the hospitality industry's desire for flexibility. Mayor Khan's intervention signals a potential shift in oversight for licensing decisions, impacting the future of London's nightlife.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has strongly criticized a proposal by Westminster Council, the local authority covering Soho, to limit "vertical drinking" in pubs. The Conservative-run council's revised licensing policies aim to reduce or remove opportunities for patrons to drink while standing, suggesting venues either provide a minimum number of seats at all times or switch to waiter or waitress service only.
According to a consultation document, Westminster officials believe that venues with fewer people standing tend to be less crowded, with lower noise levels and more orderly dispersal. They also expressed concern about restaurants operating as bars and allowing standing patrons.
A spokesperson for Mayor Khan stated that "restrictive and anti-growth policies aren’t working" and that rules were "stacked against" pubs. The Mayor is set to gain new powers from the government that will allow him to call in licensing decisions and influence local policies to protect London's nightlife and hospitality industries.
However, local Tory councillors have pushed back against reports of a ban. Tim Barnes, the council member for growth and planning, called the suggestion that the council plans to ban people standing up "ludicrous" and a "wilful misreading of the policy proposals." He clarified that the guidance is about encouraging venues to manage customers to prevent pavement crowding and excessive drinking that disturbs others.
Campaigners, such as Lucy Rogers from Looking For Growth, have criticized the council's stance, accusing them of "destroying Britain’s hospitality industry" and wanting to "demonise our pub culture and ban fun."