‘It is British life’: Downing Street vows to stop councils trying to restrict standing in pubs
Summary
The UK government plans to stop local councils from restricting standing while drinking in pubs or requiring only table service. Westminster council suggested new rules to limit bar ordering and set earlier closing times, but the government and London’s mayor oppose these limits, aiming to support nightlife and jobs.Key Facts
- Downing Street wants to take away powers from councils that try to stop customers standing or ordering at the bar in pubs.
- Westminster council proposed a draft licensing policy that favors table service and limits "vertical drinking" (drinking while standing).
- The draft also suggests pubs in nightlife areas like Soho close by 10pm to reduce noise and disturbance.
- The government will give the London mayor new powers to override local council decisions he disagrees with.
- Mayor Sadiq Khan opposes strict policies, saying they hurt nightlife and the city's reputation.
- Westminster council denies plans to ban standing drinking and says reports have been confusing.
- The council plans to ban new pubs and bars in certain busy areas to control the number of venues.
- The government supports helping pubs continue to operate and preserve jobs in nightlife areas.
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