Booze ban’s nine years old

Published: 5 March 2010

• I READ Stuart Barrow’s letter with interest (Will nannying put paid to my Pimm’s in the square? February 26) but would remind him of the rationale for the street drinking ban in open spaces in Soho.
It is in place to address the real problem of street drinkers who formerly made Soho Square and other places in Soho
no-go areas for others and not through some puritanical wish of Westminster City Council to prevent Mr Barrow or his friends from drinking a plastic beaker of Pimm’s in these areas.
There is very limited open space in Soho and it should provide oases for quiet enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.
The ban on the consumption of alcohol, which has been in force for at least nine years in Soho Square, was introduced as a result of problems caused by street drinkers and the anti-social and insanitary behaviour associated with them.
Westminster feels that it is absolutely right that a fair balance between the competing users be in place and that such ban is what helps to create such balance.
I am sure, living in Old Compton Street as he does, that Mr Barrow is fully aware of the hundreds of licensed premises in Soho where he can buy and consume alcoholic drinks and in many cases enjoy their consumption in the open air in the terraces and outdoor spaces associated with those premises.
Westminster supports the ongoing vibrancy of Soho and recognises its unique contribution to London. In my view it is extremely unlikely that Soho will resemble Surbiton any time soon.
CLLR JONATHAN GLANZ
Conservative, West End ward