Westminster City Council is set to recommend that pubs in the area discourage customers from ordering at the bar, a move that could reshape the traditional pub experience in the capital's entertainment district. The proposal, which is part of new licensing guidance, aims to reduce congestion and improve safety, according to council documents seen by Metro.
New Licensing Guidance for Pubs
The council's licensing committee is expected to discuss the guidance later this month. If adopted, it would encourage pub owners to promote table service or app-based ordering over the traditional bar queue. The measure is designed to address complaints about overcrowding and anti-social behavior, particularly during peak hours.
Councillor Tim Roca, chair of the licensing committee, said: "We want to ensure that pubs in Westminster are safe and welcoming for everyone. Encouraging table service is one way to reduce pressure on bar staff and improve the overall customer experience."
Industry Reaction
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has expressed cautious support, noting that many pubs already offer table service. However, they emphasized that bar ordering remains a key part of pub culture and should not be banned outright.
"We support measures that enhance safety and service, but it's important that pubs retain the flexibility to operate in a way that suits their business and their customers," said a BBPA spokesperson.
Potential Impact on Pubs
If the guidance is implemented, it could affect hundreds of pubs in Westminster, including those in the West End, Soho, and Covent Garden. The area is home to over 1,000 licensed premises, making it one of the busiest nightlife districts in the UK.
Pub owners have mixed views. Some welcome the move, citing reduced queuing times and higher customer spend. Others worry about losing the spontaneous, social atmosphere that comes with ordering at the bar.
Next Steps
The licensing committee will hold a public consultation before any final decision. Pub-goers and residents are encouraged to share their views. The council hopes to publish the final guidance by early 2027.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the hospitality sector in Westminster, following similar measures in other major cities like London's Square Mile and Manchester.
