Sadiq Khan has ordered Westminster council to scrap a policy that would ban new pubs and bars from opening in Soho and the West End of London. This comes after the Guardian revealed the council’s new licensing policy asks pubs to stop customers from standing up while consuming beverages, which it calls “vertical drinking”. This is despite the West End being one of the most popular nightlife areas in Europe. This means the ban on opening new bars and pubs in Soho and the West End other than in exceptional circumstances would be lifted. The mayor said that Manchester city council is an example of a local authority that allows economic growth and supports bars, pubs and restaurants.