Downing Street Urges Westminster to Rethink Soho Pub Rules as Council Says 98% of Licences Pass
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Aug 6
Downing Street Urges Westminster to Rethink Soho Pub Rules as Council Says 98% of Licences Pass
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Aug 6
Summary
No 10 stepped into the Soho pub row, telling Westminster City Council to work with landlords after draft licensing policies appeared to favor seating over standing drinkers.
The dispute centers on proposals to discourage “vertical drinking” and to normally refuse new pub, bar and music venue licences in the West End cumulative impact zone, with consultation closing on August 9.
Paul Swaddle, Westminster’s Conservative leader, said there is “no plan” to ban standing in pubs, blamed confusing coverage and argued the council backs hospitality, citing approval of more than 98% of licence applications.
Critics including Mayor Sadiq Khan and Soho business owners say the draft would sanitize the district, cut venue capacity and push customers toward more licence-friendly boroughs such as Camden.
The intervention fits the government’s broader pro-pub stance: Andy Burnham last month promised to defend pubs and announced a 20% business-rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues from next April.