Westminster Council has unveiled draft proposals that would discourage bar service and standing while drinking in pubs across Soho and the West End, prompting fury from the hospitality industry.
The plan aims to reduce 'vertical drinking' and promote table service instead, with more tables and chairs replacing open bar spaces, and alcohol sales handled exclusively by waiters.
Policy details and industry reaction
The draft policy, currently in consultation, states that pubs should '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.' It also recommends that the sale of alcohol and food be 'by waiter and waitress service only.'
Additionally, the plans propose halting the opening of all new bars and pubs in the 'cumulative impact zone,' which covers most of Soho and the West End, two of the UK's largest nightlife districts.
The policy reads: 'The council will normally refuse any application made in respect of a premises located in the West End Cumulative Impact Zone that is a pub or bar, a fast food premises or a venue offering music, dancing and similar entertainment.'
A source from the London Business Alliance told Metro: 'While standing is one issue, the entire area will die in five years if nothing new is allowed to open.'
Mayor and industry leaders weigh in
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has branded the policies 'anti-growth,' after previously accusing 'influential people in Soho' of 'thwarting fun.'
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. 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.'
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, warned that other councils often follow Westminster's lead. He said: 'Standing in pubs has always been part of Britain's pub culture. It's how people meet friends, watch live sport, wait to be served and enjoy the unique atmosphere that pubs have provided for generations.'
He added: 'Westminster is one of the country's most influential licensing authorities. The policies it adopts are often watched closely by other councils, making this consultation far more significant than a local issue.'
Council defends proposals
Councillor Tim Barnes, Westminster City Council deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, said: 'We want people to go out in the West End and have a good time. 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 noted: 'The Cumulative Impact Zone is recognised as an area that has a high concentration of activity and particular policies exist for that in Westminster and the Mayor's London-wider planning. There is a legal obligation to look at every application on its merits and we do just that, meaning we see new venues opening all the time.'
Barnes added: 'We are the country's largest planning authority with some 4,000 licensed venues. We reject less than 1.5% of license applications and there is a strong desire to see thriving, profitable, venues across Westminster.'
