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London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Topic
licensingpolicy
5 stories, newest first.
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council revises licensing policy after 'vertical drinking' row
Westminster City Council has published a revised licensing policy following a debate over 'vertical drinking'. The council clarified it does not plan to ban people from standing while drinking, despite initial draft proposals encouraging more seating.
Westminster3 min readTrust 70 · Craft 75 · Hype 45
Community Safety · BrentBrent councils gain power to block new betting shops after rule change
Brent residents and councils can now refuse new betting shops after the government removed the ‘aim to permit’ rule from the Gambling Act 2005. The change follows a campaign by Brent Central MP Dawn Butler, who highlighted the borough’s 81 licensed gambling venues, outnumbering supermarkets in 17 wards.
Brent5 min readTrust 50 · Craft 57 · Hype 55
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council prioritises table-service venues in new licensing policy
Westminster City Council’s draft licensing policy will favour establishments offering table service over traditional bars. Pubs like The Globe near Baker Street have faced repeated reviews after complaints about noise, while Greggs was blocked from selling hot food overnight due to police concerns about crime and disorder.
Westminster5 min readTrust 56 · Craft 69 · Hype 48
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council proposes curbs on standing drinkers in Soho and West End pubs
Westminster Council has proposed new licensing rules encouraging pubs in Soho and the West End to reduce standing customers, sparking criticism from Downing Street, the Mayor of London, and local business owners. The draft policy is open for consultation until 20 September 2024.
Westminster5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 83 · Hype 41
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council’s standing-drinker policy sparks Soho pub closures warning
Westminster City Council’s draft licensing policy proposes reducing standing capacity in Soho and West End pubs to ease pavement crowding. Pub owners warn of closures and job losses, while Mayor Sadiq Khan and Downing Street criticise the plans. The consultation closes on 9 August.
Westminster6 min readTrust 74 · Craft 83 · Hype 21