Plan to Limit 'Vertical Drinking' Irritates Pub Owners and Politicians in the UK

A proposal to limit 'vertical drinking', a bureaucratic euphemism for drinking while standing, has become a political headache for a local government council in London. Various politicians, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, have criticized the idea put forth by the Westminster Council, which is responsible for licensing pubs and restaurants in the West End, a major nightlife hub popular among tourists and residents.

Lesley Lewis, who has run the French House pub in Soho for 37 years, stated that discouraging this tradition would only push customers to other parts of the city. She emphasized that standing drinkers contribute to the rents and taxes that pubs rely on, and that people want to socialize and enjoy drinks outside rather than just sitting in one place.

The Westminster Council responded to the media's portrayal of its plans, clarifying that the proposal is part of a draft policy open for public comments. The council aims to reduce noise and disorder by encouraging businesses to serve more seated customers, not to prohibit standing drinking altogether. Council leader Paul Swaddle highlighted that the focus is on safety rather than preventing people from standing at the bar with a drink in hand.