Westminster says no new West End pubs

Westminster Council has announced plans to ban any new pubs or bars from opening in Soho, Mayfair or St James'.

The council's new draft planning guidance - which is out for consultation - sets out plans which will "look favourably"​ on applications for cafes and restaurants but not entertainment venues.

Westminster, famously tough on pub licensing extensions, says its vision for a 'café culture' future will be more family friendly.

We are aware of the importance of the entertainment industry to the economy of central London but we cannot keep granting planning permission for more bars and clubs ​ Councillor Robert Davis, Westminster's cabinet member for planning.

It believes the long-term interest of the area is best served by "having the widest choice of places to eat and drink and by maintaining a strong community of residents."

A council spokesman said: "In the nightlife centres of Soho, where there has long been concern from local residents about noise and disturbance, permission will not be granted for new entertainment premises.​

"Nor will permission be given to any change of use that intensifies entertainment, such as from a restaurant to a bar."

"In the historic parts of Mayfair and St James's, planning permission will not be given to new entertainment venues."

Councillor Robert Davis, Westminster's cabinet member for planning, said: "The West End is at a crossroads. The number of bars and clubs has expanded enormously in the past few years and we receive more and more planning applications each year.​

"So a decision has to be made about the character and long term future of the West End. We are aware of the importance of the entertainment industry to the economy of central London but we cannot keep granting planning permission for more bars and clubs.

"Entertainment is of course an important reason why so many people visit the West End but it is not the only one.

"If we aspire to continue to be world class city then we must keep our eye on the other aspects that make the West End such an exciting place to visit."