00:00The government says it will step in if councils introduce licensing rules making it harder
00:06for customers to stand up while drinking in pubs or order at the bar.
00:10Ministers say busy pubs are an important part of British life which help to support thousands
00:15of jobs and should not necessarily face restrictions that could damage the hospitality industry.
00:21The comments follow a row over draft licensing proposals from Westminster City Council, including
00:28recommendations for more table service and earlier last orders at some new venues.
00:33The council insists there are no plans to ban standing drinkers and says the proposals remain
00:39under consultation before any final decisions are made.
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