‘It is British life’: No 10 vows to stop councils trying to limit standing in pubs
The UK government has pledged to block local councils from implementing policies that restrict standing in pubs or mandate table service. This move follows Westminster Council's draft proposal to limit 'vertical drinking' in nightlife areas.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights a tension between local regulatory autonomy and national government efforts to protect the hospitality industry and cultural norms.
The prime minister, Andy Burnham, and the chancellor, John Healey, at a London pub in July./Getty Images The prime minister, Andy Burnham, and the chancellor, John Healey, at a London pub in July./Getty Images London ‘It is British life’: No 10 vows to stop councils trying to limit standing in pubs Westminster council has recommended reducing ‘vertical drinking’ or ordering at the bar in new draft licensing policy
Prefer the Guardian on Google No 10 has vowed to confiscate powers from local councils which try to restrict customers from standing up while drinking in pubs or ordering at the bar.
It comes after the Guardian revealed on Thursday that Westminster council in central London recommended not allowing “vertical drinking” or ordering at the bar in its new draft licensing policy.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in