London Mayor Sadiq Khan has criticised a proposal backed by Conservative-run Westminster Council that could severely restrict pub-goers in Soho from drinking while standing, as part of a broad revision of the borough's licensing policies. The dispute highlights the long-running tension in central London between sustaining a nighttime economy worth billions and addressing resident complaints about noise, crowding, and antisocial behaviour.

Westminster Council, the local authority covering some of London's most popular nightlife destinations — including Soho, Covent Garden, and Mayfair — has outlined plans to radically curtail what it calls "vertical drinking" — the practice of consuming alcohol while standing or ordering drinks directly at the bar. The proposals form part of a statutory review of the borough's licensing policy, which under the Licensing Act 2003 must be refreshed periodically to reflect local priorities around public safety, crime prevention, and public nuisance.

A consultation document published by the authority proposed two possible measures: requiring venues to maintain a "minimum number of seats at all times," or mandating that alcohol sales be conducted exclusively through waiter or waitress service. The document stated that venues with fewer patrons standing tended to be "less crowded" and were "generally associated with lower noise levels and more orderly dispersal."

The document explicitly noted that such measures could "reduce" or "remove opportunities" for vertical drinking. It also flagged concern among Westminster officials about restaurants operating as bars where patrons stand while drinking. Under existing council powers covering the Soho area, the authority retains the ability to refuse applications for new bars and pubs.

Mayor's Office Pushes Back

Khan rebuked the proposals targeting Soho and the wider West End, which aim to tighten existing licensing laws. A spokesperson for the mayor said "restrictive and anti-growth policies aren't working" and argued that current rules were "stacked against" pubs.

"That's why the new powers the Mayor is getting from the government are so important, as they mean the Mayor will be able to call in licensing decisions and have a say in local policies to protect London's vital nightlife and hospitality industries," the spokesperson added. Hospitality is one of London's largest employment sectors, and any tightening of licensing conditions has implications for operators already contending with rising business costs and a competitive late-night economy across European capitals.

Councillors Reject Reporting as "False"

Local Tory councillors pushed back forcefully against the coverage, which was first reported by The Guardian, accusing the newspaper of disseminating "false" information.

Tim Barnes, the council member for growth and planning, called it "ludicrous to suggest the council is planning to ban people standing up in pubs."

"Suggesting otherwise is a wilful misreading of the policy proposals with clauses taken out of context," Barnes said. "We want people to go out in the West End and have a good time. Our guidance is simply about encouraging venues to manage their customers so people don't pack onto pavements or excessive drinking doesn't disturb others passing by."

The original consultation document is available on the council's consultation portal.

Campaigners Accuse Council of Anti-Pub Agenda

Campaign groups advocating for relaxed planning rules rejected the councillors' defence, arguing it demonstrated a misunderstanding of their own consultation text. Lucy Rogers, a campaigner with the group Looking For Growth, accused Westminster Council of "destroying Britain's hospitality industry."

"They want to demonise our pub culture and ban fun. Timothy Barnes and his colleagues must let adults stand up," Rogers said.

New Powers on the Horizon

Newly introduced legislation will grant the Mayor of London the authority to establish a London-wide licensing policy and require consultation when local councils revise their own policies. The mayor will also gain the ability to call in significant licensing decisions for review. The outcome of Westminster's consultation, and whether the final adopted policy retains or softens the vertical-drinking language, will be closely watched by both hospitality trade bodies and residents' associations as a signal of how the capital balances its nighttime economy with the concerns of those who live alongside it.