London Mayor Sadiq Khan has criticized Westminster City Council for continuing to enforce restrictions on vertical drinking in Soho and an effective ban on new bars and pubs in the area. Khan accused the Conservative-led council of ignoring public feedback from a recent consultation on its new licensing policy. The consultation revealed strong opposition to the council’s "cumulative impact zone," a policy that would limit new bar and pub licenses in the West End to exceptional cases. Over 81% of respondents disagreed with the policy, and 84% said it would harm local businesses. Vertical drinking, a common practice in British pubs where people stand while drinking, has also drawn criticism. The council proposed that new licenses should only be granted to venues offering table service, rather than allowing customers to order at the bar and stand while drinking. This suggestion led to widespread public backlash, prompting Khan to urge the council to abandon the cumulative impact zone and allow vertical drinking in pubs and bars. Prime Minister Andy Burnham echoed this sentiment, calling vertical drinking a core part of British life. Despite the criticism, Westminster Council has continued with both the vertical drinking policy and the cumulative impact zone. The council claimed that complaints were due to confusion over the technical language in its licensing document. Khan called the council’s actions "arrogant," arguing that their policies are harming London’s hospitality industry and economy. He emphasized the importance of Soho’s nightlife, stating that the council’s approach risks stifling the area’s vibrant culture. In response, Westminster Council’s deputy leader, Tim Barnes, said the issue was partly about policing, noting that a lack of investment in the Metropolitan Police has led to objections over public safety concerns. The final licensing policy still restricts vertical drinking, favoring venues with seating and table service. While the council approved a new pub in the cumulative impact zone—the Lady in Covent Garden—most of the space is for a sit-down restaurant. The bar on the lower floor is allowed only in association with the restaurant. Khan has been granted new powers by the government to override local council decisions he opposes. He argued that London’s hospitality and nightlife sectors are vital to the city’s identity and economy, and that the current approach is unsustainable. Meanwhile, data shows that only 3.5% of licensing applications in Westminster were fully approved between 2023 and 2026. The Soho Society, a group dedicated to preserving the area’s character, has also taken a firm stance, opposing new bars and restaurants and challenging existing licenses that operate beyond designated "core hours."