Full Breakdown
Westminster Council’s Licensing Policy Sparks Row Over “Vertical Drinking”
9/8/2026, 8:50:46 PM
Core Event
Westminster City Council, which licenses more than 4,000 pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants, has issued a revised Statement of Licensing Policy that retains curbs on “vertical drinking” – the practice of standing while drinking – and maintains a “cumulative impact zone” that limits new licences in the West End unless “exceptional circumstances” apply. The draft, released last month, proposes that new venues prioritize seated service and table ordering to “discourage excessive drunkenness” and reduce noise. The council will press ahead despite criticism.
Background & Context
Vertical drinking has long been a hallmark of Soho’s nightlife, where limited indoor space makes standing areas essential for capacity on weekend evenings. The council’s summer consultation introduced the “cumulative impact zone” to control the density of new alcohol-led premises across Soho, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. Critics say the measures threaten the district’s cultural and economic vitality.
Data & Statistics
- 81 % of consultation respondents opposed the cumulative impact zone.
- 84 % said the policy would be bad for business.
- Between 2023 and 2026, only 3.5 % of licensing applications were approved exactly as submitted.
- Applications for pubs and wine bars fell 80 % during 2022-24.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the council’s approach, arguing that London’s nightlife cannot be managed with “village-hall” thinking and that the sector is essential for jobs and the city’s reputation. He welcomed upcoming powers that would allow him to “call in” council decisions he opposes.
Deputy Leader Tim Barnes defended the policy as a policing issue, noting a shortage of Metropolitan Police resources has led the Met to object to many licence applications on public-safety grounds. He reiterated that the council has never intended to ban standing patrons.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Pub supervisor Samuel Maken at the Blue Post on Berwick Street said standing drinking is “vital” for capacity, noting that removing it would cut roughly half of a venue’s revenue on busy weekend nights. He highlighted the cultural significance of Soho’s after-work vibe and the importance of outdoor standing areas for the neighbourhood’s atmosphere.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The council says it does not intend to ban vertical drinking, describing the proposal as a “technical option” for a limited number of venues. Critics interpret the language as an effective prohibition, pointing to the draft’s emphasis on “encouraging more seating” and “discouraging high-volume vertical drinking.” The precise impact on existing licences remains unclear, as the council has not released data on how many venues will need to alter their layout.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The arrogance of Westminster council is breathtaking. By ignoring all those who oppose their plans and viewing hospitality in the heart of our capital city as a problem, they are letting down businesses, residents and our economy. They would rather see nightlife die than thrive.” — Tim Barnes
- “It's a bustling community. It's one of the busiest spots in London. It's culturally significant, historically, if you look at all the musicians and the scene that's been born out of this area.” — Valentina
What’s Next
Westminster has pledged to publish the revised licensing policy by the October 1 deadline and to review it each June. The government is set to grant Mayor Khan new powers to intervene in council licensing decisions, a move he says will help safeguard London’s hospitality and nightlife sectors.
