Sadiq Khan Orders Rewrite of Westminster Licensing Rules

The Westminster City Council proposed new licensing regulations aimed at reducing high-volume vertical drinking in London's Soho and West End districts. The draft plan sought to curb noise and disorder by requiring new venues to prioritize seated operations, adhere to strict table-to-chair ratios, or restrict alcohol service to customers eating substantial meals.

The proposal triggered immediate backlash from political leaders and the press. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan ordered the council to rewrite the policy, characterizing the measures as overly onerous and archaic. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also criticized the rules, arguing that busy pubs are essential to British life and employment.

Council leader Paul Swaddle defended the measures as common sense for managing crowded streets. Swaddle further accused Khan of using the controversy to attempt to seize control of licensing authority.