Westminster Clarifies Draft Pub Policy on Standing Drinks as Critics Warn of Harm in 1 nightlife hub
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 7
Westminster Clarifies Draft Pub Policy on Standing Drinks as Critics Warn of Harm in 1 nightlife hub
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Aug 7
Summary
Paul Swaddle said Westminster’s draft licensing policy does not ban standing with a pint, after reports framed it as a crackdown on “vertical drinking” in London’s West End.
The proposal instead urges venues to add more table service and seating to curb noise, disorder and “excessive drunkenness,” while remaining open for public consultation.
Lesley Lewis, who has run Soho’s French House for 37 years, said standing drinkers are vital to pubs facing high rents and taxes and could be pushed elsewhere.
Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan joined the backlash, arguing crowded pubs are part of British life and warning the policy could hurt a hospitality sector still recovering from COVID-19.
Westminster, which licenses more alcohol-selling venues than any other UK local authority, is trying to balance the nighttime economy with residents’ quality of life.