The council’s draft licensing policy has left pub-goers across the borough wondering whether horizontal drinking is now the officially preferred posture
WESTMINSTER A draft licensing policy reportedly recommending against “vertical drinking” and ordering directly at the bar has left pub-goers across the borough in a state of genuine, good-humored confusion over exactly what alternative posture the council might actually prefer.
What This Policy Language Actually Seems To Address
The recommendation appears aimed at reducing standing-only, high-density drinking environments in favor of seated service, a distinction council officials have since publicly disputed characterizing accurately, despite the policy language itself prompting this exact interpretation.
How Local Pub-Goers Have Actually Reacted
With considerable amusement, several regulars at Westminster establishments joking about whether reclining or seated drinking now carries some kind of official civic endorsement over standing at the bar with a pint.
What The Council Has Actually Said In Response To This Confusion
A formal denial that the policy specifically targets vertical drinking as described, a clarification that has done little to fully dispel the genuine public amusement the original characterization generated.
How Local Publicans Feel About This Proposed Policy
Mixed concern and confusion, several noting that standing room capacity represents a genuine, practical necessity for busy Westminster establishments during peak hours, regardless of how the specific policy language gets ultimately interpreted.
Whether This Policy Will Actually Change Anything Practically
Unclear at this stage, with the draft policy still subject to further review and clarification before any final version takes effect.
What This Episode Reveals About Council Policy Language Generally
A useful reminder that draft policy wording, however well-intentioned, can generate genuine public confusion when specific terms like “vertical drinking” invite considerably more literal interpretation than officials may have originally intended. Further London news coverage continues at bohiney.com.
SOURCE: https://bohiney.com