Council attempts to limit 'vertical drinking' (that's drinking while standing up) in central London

The row over Westminster’s plans has drawn in everyone from the prime minister to Suggs from Madness.

Brooke Davies | Senior News reporter Published August 7, 2026 9:39am Updated August 7, 2026 9:39am Pubs and bars in the heart of London have been left infuriated after finding out the council, which oversees Soho and the West End, is trying to encourage punters to have set seats (Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)

Westminster council has recommended banning ‘vertical drinking’ or ordering at the bar in new draft licensing policy No 10 has vowed to confiscate powers from local councils which try to restrict customers from standing up while drinking in pubs or ordering at the bar. It comes after the Guardian revealed on Thursday t

Westminster Council faces fury over draft plans to ban standing at the bar and ordering pints in London's West End. Mayor Sadiq Khan slammed the "anti-growth" pub crackdown - and Paul Routledge couldn't agree more

UK councils, including those that run boozing hotspots like London's West End and Soho, have come under scrutiny over policies that seem to encourage a move away from 'vertical drinking'

Council in central London considering curbs on ‘vertical drinking’  ITVX