Khan Accuses Westminster Council of 'Breathtaking Arrogance' Over Soho Vertical Drinking Curbs
London mayor says Conservative-led council ignored consultation responses as restrictions on standing drinking and new bars in the West End proceed.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has criticised what he called the “breathtaking arrogance” of Westminster council after it proceeded with restrictions on vertical drinking in Soho and maintained an effective ban on new bars and pubs in the area, according to the Guardian.
Khan accused the Conservative-led council of “ignoring” responses to a consultation on its new licensing policy, the newspaper reported.
According to the Guardian, the consultation found that 81% of respondents disagreed with the council's “cumulative impact zone” policy, which stipulates that applications for new bars and pubs in the West End will be refused unless exceptional circumstances apply.
The Guardian also reported that 84% of respondents said the licensing policy would be bad for business.
The West End is described in the report as one of Europe's most famous nightlife districts. The restrictions apply to vertical drinking — the practice of standing while drinking in pubs and bars — in Soho, a central London area known for its nightlife and hospitality venues.
The Guardian's report indicates that despite the consultation results, Westminster council has decided to proceed with the policy as originally proposed, maintaining the restrictions on vertical drinking and the cumulative impact zone affecting new licensing applications in the area.
Sources
- Curbs on vertical drinking in Soho pubs to go ahead as Khan criticises council’s ‘breathtaking arrogance’ — The Guardian — World
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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