It also states the council will normally refuse new pub, bar, fast food and entertainment applications in the West End cumulative impact zone. He said policies favouring seating and reduced standing space risked changing the character of venues while increasing pressure on operators already facing significant costs. Licensing pressureThe row follows wider criticism of licensing restrictions in Soho, after the Soho Society reportedly voted earlier this summer to object to all new bar and restaurant licence applications in the area. Khan previously criticised opposition to new hospitality licences in Soho, comparing it to living in South Kensington and complaining about museums. Westminster City Council said its guidance was intended to help venues manage customers, reduce disturbance and prevent people packing onto pavements.