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London Mayor Orders End to Standing-Up Drinking Limits

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan ordered Westminster Council to scrap its policy limiting standing-up drinking.
The draft, open for comment until Sunday, urged venues to curb excessive drunkenness and add seating.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Downing Street called standing-up drinking “British life” that supports thousands of jobs.
Home Office data show 41 licence applications in 2023-24, 16 granted, and a 3.5% approval rate through 2026.

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Story summary

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan ordered Westminster Council to scrap its policy limiting standing-up drinking.
The draft, open for comment until Sunday, urged venues to curb excessive drunkenness and add seating.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Downing Street called standing-up drinking “British life” that supports thousands of jobs.
Home Office data show 41 licence applications in 2023-24, 16 granted, and a 3.5% approval rate through 2026.