Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Westminster mandates extra seating to curb vertical drinking

9/10/2026

16 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Westminster council's final policy mandates additional seating and table service to curb vertical drinking.
Eighty-one percent of consultation respondents opposed the council’s cumulative impact zone for new West End licences.
Data show only 3.5% of Westminster licensing applications were approved as submitted between 2023 and 2026.
The Soho Society pledged to challenge all new bar and restaurant licences and objections to extended hours.

1 of 1

Story summary

Westminster council's final policy mandates additional seating and table service to curb vertical drinking.
Eighty-one percent of consultation respondents opposed the council’s cumulative impact zone for new West End licences.
Data show only 3.5% of Westminster licensing applications were approved as submitted between 2023 and 2026.
The Soho Society pledged to challenge all new bar and restaurant licences and objections to extended hours.