Westminster City Council has refuted claims that it plans to ban pub-goers from drinking while standing up, a measure that had been reported as part of an update to its licensing policy. The council described such reports as "utterly ludicrous."
Tim Barnes, Westminster City Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for growth and planning, stated that there is "no plan, and never has been, to ban drinking while standing up in a Westminster pub." He attributed the reports to a "wilful misreading of the policy proposals with clauses taken out of context."
According to Barnes, the council's guidance is focused on encouraging venues to manage their customers to prevent overcrowding on pavements and to mitigate excessive drinking that could disturb passersby. He emphasized the council's desire for people to enjoy themselves in the West End.
The controversy arose as the council undertook an update to its licensing policy, leading to public scrutiny and reporting that suggested a ban on standing to drink. The council's clarification aims to address these concerns and correct what it views as a misrepresentation of its intentions.