Pub owners decry plan to limit 'vertical drinking' in London

Key Points:

• Westminster City Council has proposed limiting "vertical drinking," or drinking while standing, in an effort to reduce noise and disorderly behavior in the West End, a popular nightlife area in London.
• The proposal has faced strong criticism from politicians including Prime Minister Andy Burnham and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who argue that standing and socializing in pubs is a vital part of British culture and nightlife.
• Pub owners, such as Lesley Lewis of the French House in Soho, warn that discouraging standing drinking could drive customers away and harm the local hospitality industry.
• Westminster Council clarified that the draft policy is open for public comment and aims to encourage more seated drinking and table service, not to ban standing drinks outright, emphasizing safety concerns.
• Both Burnham and Khan have expressed support for the hospitality industry, with Khan indicating he may use upcoming powers to review the Westminster policy to protect London's nightlife economy.