World News
Westminster keeps Soho drinking curbs despite opposition from Mayor Khan
Westminster council has retained restrictions on standing drinkers and new bars in Soho, The Guardian reports.
The short version
- Westminster council retained restrictions on vertical drinking alongside an effective ban on new bars in Soho.[The Guardian]
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized the council, arguing officials ignored public consultation results where over 80% opposed the cumulative impact zone and warned of business harm.[The Guardian]
- Council deputy leader Tim Barnes defended the rules as an issue of policing resources, while pub and wine bar applications fell by 80% from 2022 to 2024.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Westminster council maintained restrictions on vertical drinking and an effective ban on new bars and pubs in Soho.[The Guardian]
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan accused Westminster council of ignoring consultation responses, where 81% opposed the cumulative impact zone and 84% said the policy harms business.[The Guardian]
- Tim Barnes, deputy leader of Westminster council, attributed the dispute to policing issues and called for additional resources.[The Guardian]
- Between 2023 and 2026, only 3.5% of licensing subcommittee applications in Westminster were approved exactly as submitted, while pub and wine bar applications fell 80% between 2022 and 2024.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.