Westminster Council insists measures on “vertical drinking” do not mean banning standing in pubs

At a meeting next week, Westminster proposes to alter its licensing policy including by in some cases discouraging ‘vertical drinking’, while encouraging table service.

The council has insisted its policy on ‘vertical drinking’ had been wrongly perceived as a blanket ban.

In remarks reported by The Guardian The Guardian, Sir Sadiq said: “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.”

Controversy has arisen over a perception that Westminster opposes ‘vertical drinking’.

The council’s proposal paper said: “Measures to limit vertical drinking are proposed only as an idea for applicants to consider where doing so would help to promote the licensing objectives.

“Specifically this may help applicants obtain licences in areas of high saturation, which might not otherwise be acceptable. It is not something that the council is making, or expecting, all new or all existing premises to do.

“This does not mean banning standing in pubs. It is one option applicants may wish to consider to address the reasons for the cumulative impact policy, for example by offering more continental cafe-style drinking for all or part of the day.”

Westminster admitted a draft version of this policy had been misunderstood as it “did not articulate the council’s pro-growth policy ambitions in a manner that was easily understood by the general public.

“It contained wording that was appropriate for a professional policy audience and application but was open to fundamental misunderstandings of both the council’s policy intent and how the policy would be applied in practice.”

Westminster said its most significant planned change from the 2021 version of the policy was a reduction in the size of the cumulative impact zone - in which new drinking outlets are restricted - removing “significant portions” of Covent Garden, Mayfair and the area north of Oxford Street.

It will in future determine applications in the zone on their merits and grant those that promote licensing objectives.

Consultation responses supported greater emphasis on enforcement of existing licences and street-based policing rather than using licensing restrictions to control negative impacts, the council said.

Westminster has also urged Sir Sadiq to increase policing and improve public transport to help nightlife in central London. 

Council deputy leader Tim Barnes said: “A lack of investment in policing has left the Met objecting to many licensing applications over public safety concerns.  

“People struggle to get home from a night out when late night bus routes have been cut and overnight Tube services are non-existent during the week.”

The mayor’s new licensing powers include setting a London-wide strategic licensing policy, to make formal representations to borough licensing committees and to call in licensing decisions of strategic importance to London.

Mark Smulian