Livingstone joins gay pub flag row

by John Harrington

A row over gay Soho pubs flying rainbow flags has erupted, after London mayor Ken Livingstone condemned Westminster Council for ordering two venues to take flags down because they had no planning permission.

Westminster Council wrote to the Admiral Duncan and the Prowler saying that they needed to make a planning application to fly their distinctive rainbow flags because Soho is a conservation area.

The pubs were told that if they didn't take them down within 14 days they could face prosecution ­ and a possible fine of £250 per day. Both pubs took the flags down immediately.

In a letter to Westminster Council leader Simon Milton, Livingstone said: "The removal of these flags will be seen as deeply offensive to lesbian and gay people at a time when the Government is finally granting this community equal civil rights."

But in a scathing reply to the mayor, Milton said that any business in a conservation area needs planning permission to fly a flag.

"This will come to members for decision and, provided it is not out of keeping in size or scale with the streetscape, I am confident that members of the planning committee will be sympathetic."

Milton accused Livingstone of "trying to manufacture a row where none in reality exists" and said: "I think [gay and lesbian people] will be more offended by your contemptible attempt to drive an artificial wedge between the council and the gay community for party-political purposes."

A Council spokeswoman said a designer who works for them is offering advice to the Prowler on how to display the rainbow motif without using a flag.