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A large crowd of al fresco drinkers at The Endurance bar, in Soho |
Last call for al fresco drinkers?
Internet campaign claims rumours of boozing ban outside bars is beyond Endurance
A PUB is fighting a potential test case over whether al fresco drinking should be allowed in Soho.
Licensees from across the West End have rallied to the side of The Endurance in Berwick Street, collecting a 7,000-strong petition and sparking panic in internet forums with wildfire rumours that a blanket ban is in the air.
Suited workers crowding outside Soho boozers for a cold pint or chilled glass of wine on a summer’s evening has long been a familiar sight.
For many it’s a London institution – a people- watching paradise and what makes our pubs the toast of the world.
But if rumours are to be believed, it could be last orders for al fresco drinking in Soho.
A petition, started by Alan Drew of Hope & Glory Public Houses Ltd, says: “This petition has been created by the licensees of Soho.
“If you live, work or just visit Soho, and you are familiar with The Endurance pub and want to support us against Westminster Council’s objective for a complete ban on outside drinking and socialising then please sign our petition.
“It is the council’s intention to enforce a complete ban on outside drinking in all licensed premises.”
Westminster Council denies any plans for a ban, but that hasn’t reassured publicans in the area. They are now calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to “resist the ban on outside drinking and maintain the liberal culture of Soho”.
The rumour has aroused the ire of cyber-activists, featuring on the celebrity website Popbitch and prompting Facebook users to start a group called ‘Save Our Soho’.
Fiona Rhys-Jenkins Bailey, chairwoman of the Soho Society, said a blanket ban would be far too “extreme”.
She said: “First of all I haven’t heard this rumour [about a blanket ban], but I know the Endurance is a test case and we are very interested in what happens.
“Banning outside drinking sounds a bit extreme. Some pubs could be more responsible but some are very good and I wouldn’t want to endorse destroying anyone’s business.
“It’s difficult for publicans with the summer and the smoking ban.
“Certainly I’ve had to walk over broken glass in flip flops but I would not be in favour of any blanket ban. I certainly enjoy the occasional drink outside the pub.”
It is estimated there are around 550 licensed premises in the area bordered by Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, Oxford Street and Regent Street.
The council confirmed the review into the licence of the Endurance, but has dismissed the internet rumours as little more than “tittle-tattle”.
Councillor Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for community protection said: “Contrary to internet rumours, Westminster has no plans to ban outside drinking in Soho or in the city as a whole.
“This is an inaccurate and misleading rumour.
“Indeed, the council is actively trying to promote responsible al fresco-style dining and drinking in certain parts of the city by creating calm oases away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets.
“We are, however, reviewing the licence for The Endurance pub in Berwick Street following a long history of complaints from nearby residents about noise from drinkers outside the premises.
“The council has previously tried to work with this pub to resolve this problem and we regret that this review is now necessary.”
Nobody from The Endurance was available for comment. |
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