Why there is a row about standing up while drinking in central London
Summary
Westminster City Council in London is proposing new rules to reduce standing drinking ("vertical drinking") in pubs and bars in central areas like Soho to manage noise and overcrowding. The council says it wants more seating and table service to create a better environment, but some business groups and politicians disagree with these plans.Key Facts
- Vertical drinking means standing up to drink, often outside pubs or bars.
- Westminster has about 500 pubs, bars, and wine bars, and nearly 1,750 cafes and restaurants.
- The council's draft policy aims to discourage excessive drunkenness and encourage seated drinking with table service.
- The plan includes refusing new licenses for places in a busy part of London called the West End cumulative impact zone.
- Westminster City Council denies plans to ban standing drinking outright.
- Some local business groups say the council is trying to reduce venue capacities and change Soho’s character.
- London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan said nightlife areas need a supportive approach, not restrictive rules.
- A Labour spokesperson highlighted the importance of busy pubs for jobs and local culture.
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