A controversial bid to force pubs to sign a licensees' agreement - which includes making sure customers know it is illegal to urinate in the street - have been branded "unnecessary".
Islington Council is currently consulting on a draft Clerkenwell Licensees' Charter which all pubs are being asked to sign.
The case mirrors that of a similar situation in Bexley earlier this year when the council asked pubs to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Contract.
The latest charter will force licensees to run a Challenge 21 scheme and become paid-up members of the Clerkenwell Pubwatch - both of which are voluntary.
Other standards to be met by licensees include "being a good neighbour", actively discouraging the use of illegal minicabs and informing customers that street urination is an offence.
Martin Rawlings, the British Beer & Pub Association's director of pub & leisure, said: "This charter goes too far and is not necessary. If the council wants to work with licensees we have absolutely no problem with that, but we don't need to sign a contract.
Scott Plowmer, licensee of the Compton Arms, Islington, said: "I have been here for seven years and would like to think I can run a decent business without this extra paperwork."
Cllr Terry Stacy, Islington Council's executive member for public protection, said: "People are entitled to a good night out, but not at the expense of local residents.
"The charter invites licensees to help play their part in making sure nightlife in Clerkenwell doesn't get out of hand. We've had a positive response from most licensees, who seem happy to get involved."