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Westminster draft licensing policy targets “vertical drinking” in Soho

The draft also proposes a ban on opening new pubs and bars in a “cumulative impact zone” covering Soho and parts of the West End.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Industry

Westminster council has put forward a draft licensing policy that would discourage “vertical drinking” in the city’s Soho and West End nightlife district, including ordering and drinking while standing at the bar, which is common in British pubs.

According to the draft policy, pubs should move toward more seating and shift service toward table service, with alcohol and food sales recommended to be handled by waiter or waitress service only rather than open bar space designed for high volume standing customers, the Guardian Business reports.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized the approach as restrictive and anti growth, saying he hoped to use new government powers to stop councils from overreaching with similar policies.

The council’s draft also lays out plans to ban the opening of new pubs and bars in a “cumulative impact zone” that spans Soho and large parts of the West End, and it says it will normally refuse applications for premises in the area, according to the outlet.

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