The revised policy was approved by full council yesterday (16 September), will be formally published on 30 September, and will come into force on 1 October.
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It follows a consultation that attracted 690 responses, up from 170 when the policy was last reviewed in 2021.
Among the changes, Westminster has reduced the size of its West End cumulative impact zone, removing significant parts of Covent Garden, Mayfair and the area north of Oxford Street.
The council has also amended wording around core hours to make clear they should be treated as reference points rather than fixed limits. Applications seeking later hours can still be approved where the authority believes they promote the licensing objectives.
Vertical drinking
The final policy retains a definition of “vertical drinking”, describing premises with little or no seating where customers predominantly stand while drinking.
The terminology became a major point of contention during the consultation after draft guidance encouraged venues to move away from high-volume standing trade in favour of greater seating and table service.
The proposals drew criticism from hospitality operators, London mayor Sadiq Khan and Downing Street, while Westminster repeatedly insisted it had no plans to stop customers standing in pubs.
The revised policy also contains updated provisions covering violence against women and girls and the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law.
Its accompanying Good Operator Guidance has also been expanded with further information for businesses applying for licences and managing premises.
Further review
Westminster said the new policy remained broadly similar to its 2021 version because of the legal timetable for completing the review.
However, the council has committed to further work over the next 12 to 18 months, including reviewing the evidence underpinning its cumulative impact and core hours policies and reconsidering existing premises use definitions.
It will also establish an industry expert panel to provide external input into future licensing policy.
The Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 is due to be published by 30 September before taking effect the following day.
The move also comes amid wider concern over the pressures facing hospitality, after ministers admitted the Government had pressed ahead with plans for an overnight visitor levy in England without carrying out a formal national assessment of its potential impact on jobs or the economy.
