Westminster Council clarifies stance on Soho pub standing rules
Draft alcohol licensing policy targets new venues, not existing pubs, after national debate
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Westminster Council has moved to clarify its draft alcohol licensing policy after a national debate erupted over claims it would ban standing in Soho pubs. The council said the guidance on 'vertical drinking' applies only to new openings, not existing venues, and accused the Guardian of misrepresenting its proposals.
The controversy began when the Guardian reported on Thursday that the council’s policy could limit standing in pubs. London Mayor Sadiq Khan quickly responded on social media, stating, 'You can’t run a world-famous nightlife district with a village-hall mindset.' Downing Street also weighed in, with the prime minister’s spokesperson describing busy pubs as 'just British life'.
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Council rejects 'ludicrous' interpretation
Tim Barnes, Conservative deputy leader of Westminster Council, dismissed the Guardian’s report as 'utterly ludicrous'. He said the policy was not new and was aimed at ensuring new venues consider the impact of 'vertical drinking' on crowd control and public safety. Existing pubs in Soho would not be affected.
Barnes added that the council’s guidance was being misrepresented to suggest a broader crackdown on nightlife. Westminster Council later issued a 'mythbuster' statement to clarify its position, emphasising that no ban on standing in pubs was being proposed.
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Mayor’s powers under spotlight
The debate has highlighted the broader political tensions over licensing powers in London. Khan is set to gain the ability to overrule local councils on licensing decisions under a two-year pilot scheme. The mayor has signalled his intention to use these powers to support the hospitality sector, framing the Westminster policy as an example of unnecessary restriction.
In a statement, Khan said, 'London’s hospitality and nightlife support jobs, culture and growth. New powers for City Hall will help ensure decisions consider the wider benefits for our city.' The mayor’s office has not commented on whether it would intervene in Westminster’s policy if the pilot scheme proceeds.
What happens next
Westminster Council’s draft policy will continue through its formal consultation process. Residents and businesses can submit responses before a final decision is made. The council has not set a date for the next stage but confirmed the policy would not affect current licensing conditions for existing venues.
Separately, Khan’s pilot scheme to overrule local councils on licensing is expected to begin later this year. The mayor’s office has not specified which boroughs or decisions might be targeted first.
Questions this report answers
+Does Westminster Council plan to ban standing in Soho pubs?
No. Westminster Council said its draft alcohol licensing policy applies only to new venues, not existing pubs. The council called claims of a ban on standing in Soho pubs a 'wilful misreading' of its proposals.
+Who criticised Westminster Council’s policy?
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Downing Street criticised the policy. Khan said it reflected a 'village-hall mindset', while the prime minister’s spokesperson described busy pubs as 'just British life'.
+What powers will Sadiq Khan gain over licensing decisions?
Khan will gain the power to overrule local councils on licensing decisions under a two-year pilot scheme. This could allow him to intervene in decisions made by boroughs like Westminster, though no specific cases have been announced.
+How can residents respond to Westminster Council’s policy?
Residents and businesses can submit responses during the formal consultation process for the draft policy. The council has not set a deadline but confirmed existing pubs would not be affected by the changes.
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