Sadiq Khan has expressed his disapproval of Westminster City Council’s “remarkable arrogance” in maintaining restrictions on vertical drinking in Soho, as well as an effective prohibition on new bars and pubs within the area.
The Mayor of London has accused the Conservative-led council of disregarding public feedback regarding its new licensing regulations. A significant 81% of participants in a recent consultation opposed the council’s “cumulative impact zone,” which stipulates that applications for new bars and pubs in the West End—the renowned nightlife hub of Europe—will be declined unless there are exceptional circumstances. Additionally, 84% of respondents indicated that the new licensing policy would negatively impact local businesses.
Critics also voiced concerns about the council’s stance on “vertical drinking,” which refers to standing while enjoying a drink—a common practice in British pubs. The council’s proposal, met with widespread backlash, suggested that new licenses should only be issued to establishments offering table service and seating, rather than allowing patrons to order drinks at the bar while standing.
In response to the council’s consultation held over the summer, Khan urged officials to eliminate the cumulative impact zone and to permit vertical drinking within pubs and bars. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also weighed in, asserting that vertical drinking is an integral aspect of British culture.
Despite this opposition, the council has opted to uphold both the vertical drinking policy and the cumulative impact zone, claiming that complaints stem from a misunderstanding of the licensing terminology used in their documents.
Khan remarked to the Guardian, “The arrogance displayed by Westminster City Council is astonishing. By disregarding the voices of those who oppose their proposals and viewing hospitality in the center of our capital as a challenge, they are failing businesses, residents, and the economy. Their preference seems to be for nightlife to diminish rather than flourish.”
Tim Barnes, the deputy leader of Westminster City Council, characterized the issue as one of policing, advocating for increased resources for the area. He commented, “Beyond disputes over policy language, serious issues are hindering our hospitality sector. Insufficient investment in policing has led the Metropolitan Police to object to numerous licensing applications due to public safety concerns.”
Nevertheless, the final licensing policy continues to impose restrictions on vertical drinking. The policy emphasizes the need to “discourage excessive drunkenness and promote the provision of more seating in establishments serving alcohol, encouraging customers to enjoy their drinks and order food through table service rather than facilitating high-volume vertical drinking.”
The revised regulations do mention a recent approval for a new pub within the cumulative impact zone, The Lady in Covent Garden. However, the majority of this establishment will serve as a sit-down restaurant. The policy states that the pub’s ground floor bar would typically not be permitted but is allowed here because it will “only operate in conjunction with the restaurant.”
The government is expected to grant Khan new authority, enabling him to “call in” local council decisions that he opposes.
Khan stated, “The renowned hospitality and nightlife sectors of London are crucial to our economy and contribute significantly to the uniqueness of our capital. Managing our iconic nightlife district with a narrow, village-hall mentality is simply not viable. This is why the government is correct to empower me with new tools to support the growth of our vibrant hospitality and nightlife, thus creating more jobs and helping us maintain our status as a dynamic global city.”
Statistics reveal that only 3.5% of licensing applications submitted to Westminster’s subcommittee were approved as initially proposed between 2023 and 2026. Moreover, applications for pubs and wine bars plummeted by 80% from 2022 to 2024.
The Soho Society, a group founded in 1972 with the mission of “preserving the character of Soho,” voted at its annual general meeting earlier this summer to implement a new licensing mandate. This initiative will challenge any new applications for bars and restaurants in the area, including reviews of existing licenses. The society will also oppose any venue seeking to operate beyond “core hours,” dictated by Westminster Council, which typically conclude between 10:30 PM and midnight, depending on the day of the week and the type of establishment.
