A proposal by Westminster City Council to limit ‘vertical drinking,’ the practice of standing while drinking, has stirred political debate in London. The council, responsible for licensing pubs and restaurants in the West End, faces criticism from notable figures such as Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Westminster’s pubs often see patrons socializing with drinks, extending into the streets during warm evening hours. Lesley Lewis, running the French House pub in Soho for 37 years, worries that discouraging this tradition could hurt businesses, saying it could push customers to other parts of the city. ‘People want to enjoy themselves in Soho, they want to have a drink outside, they want to dance,’ she explained.
British newspapers have reacted with headlines questioning the policy. In response, council leader Paul Swaddle clarified their intention. According to Swaddle, the draft policy aims to reduce noise and disorder by promoting table service and not preventing standing while drinking.
“Let me be clear about what we’re trying to achieve. This is about safety, not stopping anyone standing at a bar with a pint in their hand,” said Swaddle.
The policy encourages business owners to reduce ‘excessive drunkenness’ by offering more opportunities for sitting and enjoying drinks with food.
Westminster has more venues licensed to serve alcohol than any other UK locality. While the council acknowledges the important role of the hospitality industry in the local economy, it aims to balance it with the interests of local residents.
Despite these clarifications, senior government officials like Prime Minister Burnham continue to express concerns. Encouraging a thriving hospitality industry is a priority for leaders amid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. A representative stated, ‘Pubs full of people standing around sharing a pint isn’t a nuisance, it’s a part of British life.’
Efforts to support the hospitality sector are evident in Burnham’s public statements. He emphasized, ‘The pubs that we’ve got are at the heart of high streets, and I think it’s really important to signal at the start of my time in office that I will be a defender for them.’
Mayor Sadiq Khan also voiced his intent to use forthcoming powers to review Westminster’s policy. He highlighted, ‘You can’t run a world-famous nightlife district with a village-hall mindset. London’s hospitality and nightlife support jobs, culture, and growth.’
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