Westminster defends ‘vertical drinking’ policy

Westminster City Council has rejected claims that its licensing proposals would amount to a ban on standing while drinking in pubs, as criticism of its approach to the West End’s hospitality sector continues.

The council has sought to clarify its position after concerns were raised over proposals concerning so-called “vertical drinking” as part of its review of the licensing policy for Westminster.

The council says the measures are not intended to prevent people from standing in pubs. Instead, it says that, in areas where there is already a high concentration of licensed premises, applicants for new licences may be encouraged to consider measures such as increased seating or table service.

Westminster says such measures could help applicants demonstrate that their premises would promote the licensing objectives and address concerns arising from the cumulative impact of large numbers of venues.

In a statement addressing the controversy, the council said: “This does not mean banning standing in pubs.” It described the proposed approach as an option that applicants could consider, rather than a requirement applying to all new or existing premises. 

The clarification comes amid wider criticism of Westminster’s draft licensing policy, including its approach to new licences, core operating hours and the cumulative impact of licensed premises in areas such as Soho and the wider West End.

The London Assembly has separately criticised the proposals, approving a motion by 13 votes to five which raised concerns about their potential impact on pubs, bars and the wider night-time economy. 

The Assembly’s concerns extend beyond vertical drinking. Its motion criticised proposed restrictions on new licences, tighter controls around ordering at the bar and a proposed “core hours” policy based on an 11pm closing time for most licensed premises.

Assembly members argued that the measures could place additional pressure on hospitality businesses already facing rising costs and operational challenges. They also highlighted the importance of the West End and Soho to London’s tourism and night-time economy.

The Assembly has called on the Mayor of London to use forthcoming strategic licensing powers to prevent what it considers unnecessary restrictions on licensed venues. It has also urged the Mayor to press the Chancellor for financial support for pubs in the capital.

The dispute places Westminster’s licensing review within a wider debate about how licensing authorities should balance the prevention of crime, disorder and nuisance with the economic and cultural importance of the night-time economy.

Westminster maintains that its policy is intended to support a thriving hospitality sector while managing the cumulative impact of licensed premises and protecting public safety. It has also acknowledged that the language used in its draft policy was open to misunderstanding and has sought to make its intentions clearer. 

The council is due to consider changes to its licensing policy as the review progresses, while political pressure over the future of licensing in London’s West End is likely to continue.