Downing Street has urged Westminster City Council to work with London pubs after proposals appeared to discourage “vertical drinking” — customers standing while drinking — in parts of the West End. The row matters because ministers and the hospitality sector argue that standing at the bar is a longstanding part of pub culture and that tighter restrictions could harm already pressured venues.

The council’s draft licensing approach would encourage more seating and table service, rather than open bar areas used for high-volume standing drinking, as part of efforts to reduce excessive drunkenness and minimise disruption to residents. Westminster said there was no plan to ban standing in pubs, while No 10 said it wanted to protect the character of British pubs and support the sector.