Why London’s Soho has been plunged into a row over standing at the pub

• Westminster Council has proposed a new draft licensing policy for Soho and the West End , which includes discouraging 'vertical drinking' and encouraging more seating and table service in pubs and bars.
• The policy aims to curb excessive drunkenness and manage customer flow, with powers to refuse new venue applications in the 'West End Cumulative Impact Zone'.
• Mayor of London Sadiq Khan criticised the proposals as 'restrictive and anti-growth', stating he hopes new governmental powers will allow him to prevent such policies.
• Licensing lawyer Philip Kolvin KC argued that discouraging vertical drinking goes against the traditional social ethos of pubs, where people mix freely.
• Westminster City Council Deputy Leader Cllr Tim Barnes clarified that the guidance is not a ban on standing but an encouragement for venues to manage customers to prevent overcrowding and disturbance.

IN FULL

London council suggests restrictions on standing at pubs in Soho and West End