NewsUK NewsPubsWestminster council is backing proposed plans to stop large groups of punters standing outside pubs and ordering at the bar in Soho and the West End as part of a crack down on what it calls "vertical drinking"12:18, 06 Aug 2026Punters face being banned from standing and ordering at the bar at thousands of pubs in London amid new council plans.‌Westminster council, which enforces licensing rules for pubs in Soho and the West End, is proposing a ban ordering at the bar as well as cracking down on what it calls "vertical drinking." Pubs that apply for a licence could be subject to conditions that include requiring drinks to be served by a waiter or waitress, instead of at the bar.‌This could spell an end to quintessential chats over a couple of pints at the bar with limits also being considered on when alcohol can be served. Soho and the West End are popular spots for after-work drinks and for punters waiting to visit world-class stage shows.‌The draft licensing policy is understood to state pubs should: "Discourage excessive drunkenness and encourage the provision of more seating in premises that serve alcohol for people to sit and enjoy a drink and order food by table service in place of open bar space that caters for high volume vertical drinking."Westminster council reportedly wants to crack down on large groups standing outside of pubs, reports The Sun. Critics have slammed the proposed plans and claimed it would undermine the strong pub culture of the area while also dealing another blow to businesses struggling to stay afloat.‌Mayor of London Sadiq Khan hit out at the "restrictive and anti-growth policies" and said he wanted to use new powers to stop councils from overreaching. Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill said: "Standing in pubs has always been part of Britain’s pub culture. It’s how people meet friends, watch live sport, wait to be served and enjoy the unique atmosphere that pubs have provided for generations."Encouraging policies that favour more seating and reduced standing space risks changing the very character of these venues while reducing capacity, increasing operating costs and limiting flexibility for responsible businesses already under significant financial pressure."Article continues belowWestminster council is also reportedly considering preventing new pubs and bars from opening in Soho and the West End. The draft policy added: "The council will normally refuse any application made in respect of a premises located in the West End Cumulative Impact Zone that is a pub or bar, a fast food premises or a venue offering music, dancing and similar entertainment."Westminster City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for growth and planning Councillor Tim Barnes said: "We want people to go out in the West End and have a good time. Our guidance is simply about encouraging venues to manage their customers so people don’t pack onto pavements or excessive drinking doesn’t disturb others passing by."He added there are 4,000 licensed venues in the area and that fewer than 1.5 per cent of license applications are rejected.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Pubs