London mayor orders council to drop plan to ban new pubs and bars in Soho and West End

Mayor Sadiq Khan has instructed the Westminster council to abandon plans to ban new pubs and bars in the Soho and West End neighborhoods of London. The Guardian reported that these proposals would have introduced restrictions on customer behavior, such as prohibiting standing while drinking and requiring table service in pubs. The decision came under scrutiny following widespread public outrage over the restrictions.

Khan, who received new licensing powers from the government this year, is utilizing them for the first time to request the council to revise the draft policy. The proposed policy would have designated Soho and the West End as a "cumulative impact zone," disallowing any new establishments unless under extraordinary circumstances, despite the area being one of the most sought-after nightlife districts in Europe.

Khan criticized the council for focusing on a small group of vocal residents and councillors rather than considering the broader economic and cultural impact on London. He specifically mentioned the success of Manchester city council in promoting economic growth through a more permissive licensing approach, setting an example for Westminster council to follow.

The mayor is now urging the council to scrap all "cumulative impact zones," allow venues to remain open late, and eliminate the "core hours" policy. Khan emphasized that the draft proposals undermine London's efforts to become the world's premier nightlife destination.