A proposal by Westminster City Council in London to limit what it terms “vertical drinking,” a practice allowing patrons to consume beverages while standing, has ignited a political firestorm, drawing condemnation from pub owners and high-profile politicians.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and London Mayor Sadiq Khan are among those who have publicly criticized the initiative, which originated from the council responsible for licensing establishments in the West End, a renowned district for nightlife.
Pub landlords argue that discouraging standing drinkers could harm their businesses. Lesley Lewis, who has managed the French House pub in Soho for 37 years, stated that such a policy would likely divert customers to other areas. "We rely on those people standing up with the rents and the rates (taxes) put upon us," Lewis said. "People want to enjoy themselves in Soho, they want to have a drink outside, they want to dance. They don’t want to sit down and just be where they are, they want to meet people and chat."
Westminster City Council found itself defending its draft licensing policy against what it described as “confusing” and misrepresented news reports, which had suggested a ban on standing to drink. Council leader Paul Swaddle clarified in a press release that the proposal is part of a draft policy still open for public consultation. He emphasized the council's objective is to reduce noise and disorderly conduct by encouraging establishments to prioritize table service over spaces designed for high-volume standing consumption.
"Let me be clear about what we’re trying to achieve,’’ Swaddle said. “This is about safety, not stopping anyone standing at a bar with a pint in their hand.’’ The draft policy aims to discourage “excessive drunkenness” by promoting more seating and table service.
Westminster City Council is the largest licensing authority for pubs, bars, and restaurants in the United Kingdom. While acknowledging the hospitality industry's economic importance, the council also stated its commitment to ensuring Westminster remains “a great place for residents to live.”
The criticism from national figures highlights the government's focus on supporting the hospitality sector, which has been recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Burnham stated that bustling pubs filled with standing patrons are an integral part of "British life" and that the Prime Minister is committed to supporting the industry. "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," Burnham said. "I will speak up for them and act."
Mayor Khan indicated that his office might utilize new powers, expected later this year, to review Westminster's policy. "You can’t run a world-famous nightlife district with a village-hall mindset," Khan commented on X. "London’s hospitality and nightlife support jobs, culture and growth."