Read our Privacy noticeDowning Street has weighed in on a dispute concerning pub drinking habits in London and has urged Westminster City Council to "work with" landlords. Paul Swaddle, the Conservative leader of Westminster City Council, sought to clarify the situation, insisting there is "no plan" to prohibit "vertical drinking" within the borough. “There is no plan, and never has been, to ban drinking while standing up in a Westminster pub.” “It’s been like that for years where people are standing and drinking, it’s not causing crime, it’s not causing issues. A Conservative Party spokesperson called for Westminster City Council to strike a balance between the night-time economy and concerns from neighbours.