No 10 backs ‘vertical drinking’ in Soho pubsPub-goers 'vertical drinking'. (Photo by Rob Pinney/Getty Images)Downing Street has waded into the debate over so-called “vertical drinking” and called on Westminster City Council to “work with” the industry to maintain the culture of pints outside London pubs. A public row has erupted over draft guidance from Westminster Council which encouraged major restrictions on standing in favour of outside seating at West End boozers. The Conservative-led local authority has since said “there is no plan” to stop “vertical drinking”, and the leader of the council Paul Swaddle has accused the press of writing “confusing stories” that give this impression. Pubs have been laden with major hikes to employment costs and business rates since Labour came to power in 2024.