A draft licensing policy from Westminster City Council has triggered a row over “vertical drinking,” the term used for customers drinking while standing in pubs and bars. The council says it wants to encourage more seating and table service in parts of central London to reduce noise, disorder and alcohol-led premises, not impose a blanket ban on standing. Downing Street, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and hospitality businesses have criticised overly restrictive rules, arguing that standing in pubs is part of British social life.