No 10 backs ‘vertical drinking’ in Soho pubs

Downing Street has entered the discussion surrounding "vertical drinking" in Soho pubs, urging Westminster City Council to collaborate with the industry to preserve the culture of pints in London pubs. Andy Burnham's team maintains that "busy pubs full of people talking to each other is not a public nuisance, it is British life and it is thousands of jobs."

The council's draft guidance, however, has sparked controversy by recommending major restrictions on standing and favoring outdoor seating in West End pubs, as well as refusing new licenses in the Soho, Oxford Street, and Trafalgar Square areas. The council's consultation on these rules has been chaotic, with council leader Paul Swaddle accusing the press of "confusing stories" and denying any plans to halt "vertical drinking."

This disagreement between the Conservative-led council and the Labour-run City Hall has been fueled by the mayor Sadiq Khan's criticism of the council's approach. Emma McClarkin, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, criticized the proposed restrictions, stating that they are "a total misstep" at a time when two pubs close daily and pub landlords only make 12p profit per pint.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been actively promoting his support for the struggling pubs sector, appearing in a video with Chancellor John Healey to highlight a reduction in hospitality business rates. However, critics argue that these savings will be "dwarfed by other costs" of doing business, as pubs face significant hikes in employment costs and business rates since Labour came to power in 2024.