London’s Westminster City Council chief issues a clarification on the authority’s drinking policy after Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized the approach as resembling a “village hall.” Multiple reports say the council had previously encouraged pub landlords to place tables and chairs outside, rather than using bar space, as part of managing how customers drink and gather. The council leader’s clarification is intended to address misunderstandings about what the policy requires and how it is enforced. The reports describe the earlier guidance as focusing on the use of outdoor seating arrangements, aiming to influence customer layout and premises operations. The controversy centers on how that guidance was interpreted by critics, who suggested the policy imposed an unrealistic model for pubs. In response, the council chief emphasizes that the policy is about clarifying practical expectations for licensed premises and does not change the overall framework governing alcohol service. The clarification seeks to ensure landlords understand the rules and the council’s intentions. No details are provided in the supplied excerpts about specific enforcement actions or changes to licensing conditions.