All articles tagged with #vertical drinking
Westminster City Council’s draft licensing plan to curb “vertical drinking” by encouraging table service has drawn sharp criticism from national politicians and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who argue it could hurt the capital’s nightlife and hospitality recovery, while the council says the aim is to reduce noise and disorder and improve safety, not ban standing at bars.
Westminster Council is seeking public input on a draft licensing policy aimed at curbing “vertical drinking” (drinking while standing) in pubs across its district, including Soho, and encouraging more seating and table service for safety. The plan has sparked anger from pub-goers and residents, with the PM’s office weighing in and the mayor of London warning against restrictive nightlife policies. Westminster says it is not banning standing and will consider public feedback before finalising changes, while industry groups argue standing is a core part of British pub culture. The public has until Sunday to respond as pubs across London face ongoing challenges from rising costs and closures.