Westminster Council is considering a new draft licensing policy for the Soho and West End districts that aims to limit 'vertical drinking'—the practice of standing at a bar or in crowded areas while consuming alcohol. The proposed guidelines suggest that pubs and bars should move toward seated service models to manage crowd density and public safety in these high-traffic areas.

This potential shift in policy has sparked significant debate. Critics, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, have publicly opposed the move, characterizing the recommendations as 'restrictive and anti-growth.' The mayor’s office suggests that such regulations could negatively impact the vibrancy and economic health of London’s nightlife sector, which relies heavily on the traditional British pub experience. The council maintains that these measures are intended to address safety and congestion concerns in one of Europe’s busiest nightlife hubs, though the specific enforcement mechanisms remain a point of discussion.