Westminster Council has sparked controversy with a draft licensing policy that encourages pubs in Soho and the West End to reduce the number of customers standing, a move critics say threatens traditional pub culture.
Policy Proposals
The council's draft policy, currently out for consultation, advises that new licensing applications will be assessed individually, but greater weight will be given to proposals that demonstrate meaningful reductions in actual operating capacity. Suggested measures include offering table service, enhanced dispersal measures, or restricting what it calls "vertical drinking."
The policy aims to "discourage excessive drunkenness and encourage the provision of more seating in premises that serve alcohol for people to sit and enjoy a drink and order food by table service in place of open bar space that caters for high volume vertical drinking."
Industry and Mayoral Criticism
The proposal has been slammed by industry figures and the Mayor of London's office. A spokesperson for the Mayor said the proposal was "more evidence that restrictive and anti-growth policies aren't working," adding that "at a time when venues need our support more than ever, the rules on licensing are stacked against them."
Entrepreneur Sacha Lord, former night-time adviser for Greater Manchester, called Westminster Council "the most anti-hospitality council in the UK," saying the policy "is recommending banning standing in pubs, and they don't want people ordering at the bar. It's like dragging us back to Covid times."
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, noted that "standing in pubs has always been part of Britain's pub culture," and Adam Hyman, founder of hospitality consultancy CODE, warned that requiring table service "will have a big impact on how businesses operate and the costings behind it."
Council Response
Cllr Tim Barnes, Westminster City Council deputy Leader, dismissed claims of a ban as "utterly ludicrous," saying the guidance is about "encouraging venues to manage their customers so people don't pack onto pavements or excessive drinking doesn't disturb others." He stressed that the council rejects less than 1.5% of license applications and has 4,000 licensed venues.
