Westminster Council has faced criticism after revealing it is consulting on a ban on pubgoers ordering drinks at the bar in Soho and the West End. The proposed licensing policy would eliminate "vertical drinking" and encourage table-only service, aiming to "discourage excessive drunkenness."
Opposition from leaders and public
The plan has been condemned by landlords, punters, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, who said Westminster Council cannot "run a world-famous nightlife district with a village-hall mindset."
Mirror readers have largely opposed the ban, with one commenting: "Sounds the sort of ill thought plan a Tory council would come up with. You know the same Tory party that caused thousands of pubs to close during its 14 years in power - and now says Labour should do more to help the hospitality sector."
Another reader noted: "'I'll stand the next round' will be a thing of the past." A third added: "That's the way it's always been - why try and fix something that's not broken." One warned: "Well this will end with 75% of pubs shut in the next few months then."
Mayor's new powers
Sir Sadiq Khan has opposed the proposals, citing new powers from central government that allow him to block policies harming London's nightlife. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 requires borough licensing authorities to consult the Mayor on licensing policy changes and allows him to call in licensing decisions.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: "This is more evidence that restrictive and anti-growth policies aren’t working. At a time when venues need our support more than ever, the rules on licensing are stacked against them. The new powers 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."
