Critics have poured scorn on council killjoys for trying to ban Britons enjoying a pint standing up
A string of councils across England have had their plans to target "vertical drinking" exposed amid a bitter row over the practice in London.
Just days ago, Westminster Council launched a hated consultation on curbing drinking while standing up at new bars in Soho, one of the most famous places for nightlife in the world.
A policy document showed that new premises in the area could be required to offer table service only.
Pub landlords - and the Prime Minister - have warned the restrictions would harm businesses and destroy a cherished British tradition.
Andy Burnham's spokesman said busy pubs full of people talking to each other "is not a public nuisance, it is British life and it is thousands of jobs" as the row deepened.
The Sun has now found that Blackpool, Wolverhampton and Merton are among the other councils discouraging "vertical drinking" at newly licensed premises.
Blackpool's licensing guidance from January welcomes applications for mixed-use premises catering to families and older people.
In a section titled "encouraging diversity," prospective licensees are told: "Applications for premises whose predominant offer is vertical drinking are not encouraged."
Wolverhampton Council, meanwhile, has pledged to steer the city away from an "alcohol-led culture".
Officials have told new restaurant applicants "there will be no vertical drinking" at their establishments.
Late-night cafe-bars there have also been told: "The sale of intoxicating liquor and other beverages shall be waiter/waitress service for consumption by persons seated at tables."
In southwest London, Merton Council requires landlords to take "robust steps to prevent vertical drinking" to qualify for exemptions from its strictest late-night licensing rules in Wimbledon town centre.
The area falls within a so-called "cumulative impact zone," which subjects licence bids to harsh scrutiny.
New venues must also accept restaurant-style conditions, only allowing alcohol alongside a seated meal during late hours.
The policies only apply to new licence applications, leaving existing pubs unaffected.
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Hospitality experts have warned the combined effect of such policies amounts to a de facto ban on opening new pubs.
Ellie Eames, the director of Camra Greater London, said: "Banning the opening of pubs in Soho and the West End is absolutely absurd, especially when the country is losing more of these valued community spaces at an alarming rate.
"With the Government already trying to weaken planning protections for pubs in England, Westminster Council must recognise the contributions local pubs make to the economy and reconsider this decision before we lose any more."
Michael Kill, the CEO of the Nighttime Industries Association, told GB News he feared a creeping "nanny state", while former Westminster councillor Laila Cunningham scolded the authority for being "killjoys".
Westminster Council deputy leader Tim Barnes previously dismissed such interpretations as "utterly ludicrous".
"You may have seen some nonsense headlines that we'd like to stop you from standing up and having a drink in pubs," he added. "We just want to make sure you can do that safely."
A Merton Council spokeswoman said: "There is no ban on standing up and having a drink in Merton's pubs and bars, and no plan to introduce one."
"Anyone applying for a licence there needs to show they won't add to problems. Every application is considered individually and according to national licensing rules.
"Our updated policy is about supporting great pubs, bars and restaurants while keeping people safe and protecting those who live nearby."
A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesman said: "Our Statement of Licensing Policy looks to manage vertical drinking in restaurants where venues are only permitted to sell alcohol to customers having seated meals.
"However, the policy provides a framework for decision-making, and every application is considered on its own merits."
