Westminster restricts pub openings

Westminster City Council is to use planning laws to restrict new pub openings and to encourage more restaurants and cafes in the West End.

In its new planning guidance the council has laid out its plans for 18 areas of the West End in which it will restrict the opening of pub venues as it wants to create a more family-friendly area with al fresco dining. It also says it will not grant permission for any premises to change use from restaurant to a bar. In Mayfair and St James's, planning permission will not be given to new entertainment

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."

This will now go out to consultation and the views of all interested parties are welcome.