Westminster licensing plan keeps standing drinking but seeks more seating
Council draft policy aims to reduce drunkenness and pavement crowding in Soho and Covent Garden
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Westminster City Council has proposed changes to its licensing policy that would encourage bars and restaurants to offer more seating, aiming to reduce excessive drunkenness and pavement crowding. The draft policy, published in June 2026, is open for public consultation until 11 August. The council must finalise the policy by 1 October 2026.
The policy does not ban standing drinking, despite reports in national media suggesting otherwise. Tim Barnes, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, said the council has no intention of preventing people from drinking while standing in pubs. He described such reports as a "wilful misreading" of the proposals.
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What the policy proposes
The draft policy includes measures to discourage "vertical drinking", standing while consuming alcohol, in areas such as Soho, Mayfair, and Covent Garden. It suggests that new licence applicants in the West End cumulative impact zone, which covers Leicester Square and parts of Soho, should prioritise seated service with fixed seating and waiter service.
The policy also proposes restrictions on customers consuming alcohol while standing in certain venues. However, the council has emphasised that these are guidelines, not bans. Similar language appeared in the council’s 2021 licensing policy, which contained six references to vertical drinking, compared with three in the current draft.
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Council proposes venues reduce standing space to ease pavement crowding in Soho and West End
Reactions from businesses and residents
The Soho Business Alliance, which represents local businesses, accused the council of attempting to "sanitise" the area and reduce the late-night economy. A spokesperson said standing drinking has not caused significant issues in Soho and that the policy could alter the area’s character.
The Soho Society, a local community group, has raised concerns about alcohol-related harm, including risks to women and vulnerable people at night. It has called for better management of the high concentration of licensed premises in the area to address crime, anti-social behaviour, and public nuisance.
Political responses
The Labour Party and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have criticised the proposals. A spokesperson for No 10 said busy pubs are part of British life and that Soho’s nightlife should not be restricted. Khan added that a "village-hall mindset" would not suit a world-famous nightlife district.
The Conservative Party called for a balance between supporting the night-time economy and addressing residents’ concerns. Westminster City Council, which is Conservative-run, has defended the policy as a way to ensure people can enjoy the West End without causing disruption.
What happens next
The consultation on the draft policy closes on 11 August 2026. Westminster City Council will review responses before finalising the policy by 1 October 2026. Residents and businesses can submit their views through the council’s website.
Questions this report answers
+Will Westminster ban standing drinking in pubs?
No. Westminster City Council has stated there is no plan to ban standing drinking. The draft policy encourages more seating to reduce drunkenness and pavement crowding, but it does not prohibit standing while consuming alcohol.
+When does the consultation on the licensing policy close?
The consultation closes on 11 August 2026. Westminster City Council must finalise the policy by 1 October 2026. Residents and businesses can submit their views through the council’s website before the deadline.
+How many pubs and restaurants are in Westminster?
Westminster has about 500 pubs and 1,750 cafes and restaurants. The area includes Soho, Mayfair, and Covent Garden, which are part of the West End cumulative impact zone covered by the draft policy.
+What are the concerns from Soho residents and businesses?
Businesses fear the policy could change Soho’s character by reducing the late-night economy. Residents, represented by the Soho Society, have raised concerns about alcohol-related harm, crime, and anti-social behaviour linked to the high concentration of licensed premises.
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