London council's 'vertical drinking' ban proposal sparks outcry

Westminster City Council (WCC) in London is considering a controversial proposal to limit "vertical drinking" – the practice of patrons standing with their drinks – in pubs across the city's central entertainment districts. The council, responsible for areas like Soho and Covent Garden, aims to update its licensing policy by encouraging establishments to provide more seating and reduce open bar areas that facilitate standing.

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Well-attended pubs where people talk to each other are not a public nuisance, they are British life and thousands of jobs.

The proposal, currently out for public consultation, has sparked debate among residents, industry representatives, and even politicians. The WCC argues that reducing vertical drinking could help manage the volume of patrons and prevent overcrowding on pavements, thereby mitigating disturbances to passersby. Vice-chair Tim Barnes clarified that the intention is not to restrict people from enjoying themselves but to encourage pubs to manage their customer flow more effectively.

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Vertical drinking is also social drinking. It gives people the chance to mingle as they wish, and not be limited to pre-determined groups.

However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Philip Colvin, a licensing lawyer, stated that vertical drinking is inherently social, allowing people to mingle freely. He argued that the proposal asks traditional pubs to abandon their customary practices and restricts patrons' ability to socialize as they wish. Michael Kill, director of the Night Time Industries Association, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that standing in pubs is an integral part of British pub culture, facilitating social interaction and enjoyment of the unique atmosphere.

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Standing in the pub has always been part of British pub culture. It is how people meet friends, watch sports and enjoy the unique atmosphere that pubs have provided for generations.

Concerns extend to the highest levels of government. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has labeled the plan "restrictive and anti-growth." A spokesperson for the Prime Minister also weighed in, suggesting that the vibrancy of areas like Soho, known for its nightlife, should not be curtailed by early closing times or restrictions on social practices. The proposal also aims to prevent the establishment of new pubs and bars in densely populated nightlife zones, further fueling the debate about the future of London's entertainment scene.

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We want people to go out and enjoy themselves in the West End. Our advice is simply to encourage the pubs to ensure their customers do not pack the pavements or that excessive drinking disturbs passers-by.