Westminster Council’s Draft Policy to curb “vertical drinking” sparks city-wide backlash

Council leader Paul Swaddle says the aim is safety, not a ban on standing with a pint.

Westminster City Council backs Vertical Drinking draft, draws backlash

Westminster oversees the highest concentration of licensed premises in the United Kingdom, including Soho’s nightlife district. The draft policy is part of an effort to manage noise, disorder and crowding in entertainment zones.

Westminster’s Draft Licensing Policy Sparks Row Over “Vertical Drinking” in West End Pubs

• Swaddle described media coverage as “confusing” and reiterated that no ban exists.

Westminster Council insists it is ‘not banning’ standing drinking in Soho pubs

• Mayor Sadiq Khan called the proposals “restrictive and anti-growth,” warning they could undermine a “world-famous nightlife district.”

Mirror - UK

• Andy Burnham framed standing patrons as “part of British life” and pledged to defend pubs as “the heart of high streets.”

No 10 backs ‘vertical drinking’ in Soho pubs

• James Shorthouse, head of specialist markets at Colliers, warned that contradictory licensing messages could “harm investor confidence” in the hospitality sector.

Backlash over Westminster’s plans to limit standing in Soho and West End pubs

• BBPA figures: 44,650 pubs in 2025 versus 60,800 in 2000.

CNN

• Westminster’s jurisdiction includes roughly 500 pubs in Soho, Covent Garden, Mayfair and the wider West End, part of an overall borough total of about 4,000 licensed venues.

Westminster’s Draft Licensing Policy Sparks Row Over “Vertical Drinking” in West End Pubs

If adopted, the policy could shift venues toward table service and reduced standing capacity. Critics say such changes risk “killing” the standing-room culture that draws tourists and supports jobs. Proponents argue more seating may reduce pavement crowding, noise complaints and anti-social behaviour, improving relations with residents.

Westminster Council insists it is ‘not banning’ standing drinking in Soho pubs

• Ban vs. “There is no plan… to ban drinking while standing up in a Westminster pub.” Swaddle called out “confusing” reporting; some media describe the draft as effectively banning “vertical drinking.”

Westminster Council insists it is ‘not banning’ standing drinking in Soho pubs

• Economic impact: Industry groups label the policy a “total misstep” that could accelerate closures, while the council offers no quantification of revenue or employment effects.

Backlash over Westminster’s plans to limit standing in Soho and West End pubs

• Implementation details: The draft mentions “encouraging” more seating but does not specify enforcement mechanisms, leaving uncertainty about whether pubs will be forced to remodel or merely advised.

The Guardian

• “There is no plan, and never has been, to ban drinking while standing up in a Westminster pub.” — Paul Swaddle, council leader

CNN

• “The pubs that we've got are at the heart of high streets, and I think it's really important to signal at the start of my time in office that I will be a defender for them,” — Andy Burnham, prime minister

KSL-TV

• “Top licensing lawyer Philip Kolvin KC said: “Vertical drinking is also social drinking, allowing people to mix and socialise as they wish, rather than being confined to their predetermined groups.” — Philip Kolvin KC, licensing lawyer

The Guardian