WOKE council chiefs that sparked fury for introducing curbs on ‘vertical drinking’ in pubs are to push ahead with the new rules – despite being accused of “breathtaking arrogance”.
Westminster council, which is in charge of licensing rules in London’s busy Soho and West End, caused outrage last month over a proposed crackdown on so-called “vertical drinking” – or standing.
It said pubs applying for a licence in the area could be subject to harsh conditions including that drinks can only be served by a waiter or waitress, rather than at the bar.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham even waded into the row, saying standing up to drink a pint was “British life”.
It has now emerged that the Tory council is to push ahead with the controversial rules.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan slammed the decision, saying: “The arrogance of Westminster council is breathtaking.
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“By ignoring all those who oppose their plans and viewing hospitality in the heart of our capital city as a problem, they are letting down businesses, residents and our economy.
“They would rather see nightlife die than thrive,” he told The Guardian.
Councillors said earlier this week that they would update the wording of the draft licence policy, after insisting it had been misinterpreted and that the curbs on “vertical drinking” were not an attempt to stop drinkers from standing outside pubs.
The draft licensing policy states that pubs should: “Discourage excessive drunkenness and encourage the provision of more seating in premises that serve alcohol for people to sit and enjoy a drink and order food by table service in place of open bar space that caters for high volume vertical drinking.”
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Westminster City Council deputy leader, Tim Barnes, said: “Beyond disagreements over policy jargon there are serious issues acting as a drag on our hospitality industry.
“A lack of investment in policing has left the Met objecting to many licensing applications over public safety concerns.
“People struggle to get home from a night out when late night bus routes have been cut and overnight Tube services are non-existent during the week.
“We’ve spent the summer taking feedback from residents, the hospitality industry and visitors.
“We’ll take this on board and do our bit to support the hospitality industry but we need the Mayor’s team to fund the services which make London a 24 hour city.”