Westminster Council proposes curbs on standing-room drinking in Soho

Westminster Council has opened a consultation on licensing changes that would effectively restrict standing-room drinking across Soho and the West End. The Conservative-run authority, which covers London's densest concentration of pubs and bars, published proposals this week that would require venues to guarantee a minimum number of seats at all times or operate waiter-service only.

The document argues that venues with fewer patrons standing tend to be less crowded, quieter and see more orderly dispersal at closing time. It also flags concern that some restaurants are operating as de facto bars, allowing customers to stand and drink without the controls applied to traditional pubs. Westminster already uses cumulative impact policies to block new bar and pub licences in saturated parts of Soho.

Mayor attacks "anti-growth" approach

Sadiq Khan responded sharply. A spokesperson said "restrictive and anti-growth policies aren't working" and that current rules are "stacked against" pubs. The Mayor pointed to forthcoming legislation that will let him set a London-wide licensing framework, be consulted on borough policy changes, and call in significant decisions for review. Those powers, expected to take effect later this year, could let City Hall override local restrictions it deems harmful to the hospitality sector.

"We want people to go out in the West End and have a good time. Our guidance is simply about encouraging venues to manage their customers so people don't pack onto pavements or excessive drinking doesn't disturb others passing by."

That defence came from Tim Barnes, Westminster's cabinet member for growth and planning, who dismissed reports of a standing ban as "ludicrous" and a "wilful misreading" of the consultation. He insisted the aim is better crowd management, not prohibition.

Campaigners say council misunderstands own plan

Lucy Rogers of the pro-development group Looking For Growth disagreed. She accused the council of "destroying Britain's hospitality industry" and said the consultation text explicitly discusses reducing or removing opportunities for vertical drinking. "They want to demonise our pub culture and ban fun," she said. "Timothy Barnes and his colleagues must let adults stand up."

The consultation runs for several weeks. If adopted, the changes would apply to new licence applications and variations, potentially reshaping how Soho's historic pubs and newer bars operate. Meanwhile, the government's devolution of licensing oversight to the Mayor adds a new layer of scrutiny that could stall or reshape the policy before it takes effect.