Westminster City Council has refuted claims that it plans to ban standing while drinking in Soho and West End pubs, clarifying that its draft licensing policy encourages seating but does not introduce any prohibition on vertical drinking. The clarification follows a Guardian report suggesting the council wanted to ban standing, sparking concerns about the future of London's nightlife.
What the Draft Licensing Policy Actually Says
The draft policy, currently out for public consultation, includes a key extract stating the council will "discourage excessive drunkenness and encourage the provision of more seating in premises that serve alcohol for people to stand, enjoy a drink and order food by table service in place of open bar space that caters for high volume vertical drinking." While this expresses a written preference for seated operations, it does not mandate a ban on standing in existing venues.
The policy is part of Westminster's new licensing framework, which focuses on the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), an area with stricter controls due to high venue concentration. The "Good Operator Guide" encourages seated operations as a way for new applicants to demonstrate they will not add to cumulative impact, but this is guidance, not a legal requirement.
Mayor of London Criticizes Policy as Anti-Growth
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has been quick to criticise the draft policy. A spokesperson for the Mayor 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."
The Mayor's comments come as he gains new influence over licensing via the 2026 English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, which allows him to create a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy and make formal representations on decisions. Secondary legislation later this year will detail how the call-in power works.
Industry Voices: 'Trying to Change the Nature of Soho'
The Soho Business Alliance has expressed dismay at the policy's direction. A spokesperson told the Press Association: "I think they’re trying to reduce the capacities in these venues. It’s been like that for years where people are standing and drinking, it’s not causing crime, it’s not causing issues. It’s them trying to change the nature of Soho and it’s quite sad that they’ve gone to such lengths to sanitise the area. They don’t want the late-night economy. This policy completely contradicts the Mayor of London’s London plan."
The council has also raised concerns about restaurants in the CIZ operating as bar spaces, planning to focus enforcement on preventing such venues from shifting toward high-volume drinking operations.
Council Responds: 'Utterly Ludicrous' to Suggest Ban
Cllr Tim Barnes, Westminster City Council deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, dismissed the ban claims. He said: "It is utterly ludicrous to suggest the council is planning to 'ban' people standing up in pubs. Suggesting otherwise is a wilful misreading of the policy proposals with clauses taken out of context. 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."
Barnes highlighted that the CIZ has long-standing policies, and the council reviews each application on its merits. He noted recent approvals, including a 24-hour license extension for McDonald's on Leicester Square, despite objections from the Mayor's police representatives. "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," he added.
Impact on London's Nightlife
The debate underscores tensions between local councils and the Mayor over nightlife regulation. While the draft policy does not ban standing, its emphasis on seating could influence new venue designs and capacity, potentially reshaping Soho's drinking culture. With the Mayor gaining new powers, future licensing decisions may see greater central oversight, but for now, standing at the bar remains legal.
