Sadiq Khan has accused Westminster council of "breathtaking arrogance" for pressing ahead with restrictions on "vertical drinking" and an effective ban on new bars and pubs in Soho, despite overwhelming opposition in its own public consultation. The row centres on the council's licensing policy, which favours venues with table service and seating over traditional standing-and-drinking pubs, and maintains a "cumulative impact zone" that blocks most new bar and pub licences in the West End, one of Europe's best-known nightlife districts.

Of those who responded to the consultation, 81% opposed the cumulative impact zone and 84% said the policy would harm business, yet the council's final policy retains both measures, arguing objectors misunderstood its terminology. Westminster's deputy leader, Tim Barnes, countered that under-resourced policing, not policy wording, is the real drag on hospitality, citing Met objections to licence applications. Figures show just 3.5% of applications reaching a licensing subcommittee between 2023 and 2026 were approved as submitted, while pub and wine bar applications fell 80% between 2022 and 2024; the government is also set to give Khan new powers to "call in" council licensing decisions he disputes.