Wetherspoon boss blasts Soho’s ‘barmy’ vertical drinking crackdown

Wetherspoon chairman Sir Tim Martin has criticized Westminster Council's recent restrictions on "vertical drinking" in Soho and the effective ban on new pubs and bars in the area. The council, led by the Conservatives, published plans last month to discourage pub-goers from drinking while standing up, urging landlords to provide more seating and table service instead.

These licensing guidelines, effective last Thursday, aim to "reduce the extent of" or "remove opportunities" for vertical drinking. Martin, a prominent pub owner, expressed strong opposition to these curbs, stating that they are "completely barmy" and inhibit business. He argued that many people, particularly those with desk jobs, prefer standing up while drinking after a day of sitting at a desk.

Martin also pointed out that NHS advice encourages people to avoid excessive sitting, especially as they age, by promoting standing up. Westminster Council deputy leader Tim Barnes denied any plans to ban vertical drinking in Westminster, but the council has taken steps to "better explain" terms like "vertical drinking." The council's new licensing policy, which has come into effect, seeks to discourage excessive drunkenness and encourage more seating in alcohol-serving premises.

Wetherspoon's Martin likened the curbs to excessive regulation weighing on Britain's pubs, urging Westminster Council to adopt a more liberal approach, similar to those implemented in other parts of the country. The council's policy also includes an effective ban on new pubs and bars in the area, including Soho, which is famous for its nightlife.

This ban sets a presumption of refusal for planning applications for new pubs and bars, only granting approval "where applicants can demonstrate exceptional circumstances." Martin believes this policy is overly restrictive and inhibiting business, arguing that it is better for the economy and pubs if licensing laws are liberalized, as they have been in many other parts of the country.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized Westminster Council for its new curbs, accusing local policymakers of "breathtaking arrogance" and suggesting that the council's actions will harm businesses, residents, and the economy. A council consultation showed that 81% of respondents disagreed with the effective ban on new pubs and bars in the West End.

Westminster Council's Tim Barnes acknowledged serious issues affecting the hospitality industry, including a lack of investment in policing and reduced late-night bus routes and overnight Tube services during the week. He stated that the council will consider feedback from residents, the hospitality industry, and visitors to support the industry better but emphasized the need for additional funding from the Mayor's team to make London a 24-hour city.