LONDON – In a stunning move that has sparked outrage and debate across the capital, London’s Muslim Lord Mayor, Sadiq Khan, announced plans to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol within city limits, citing public health, safety, and cultural considerations.

The unprecedented proposal, unveiled during a press conference at City Hall on Monday, would make London the first major Western city to enact such a sweeping restriction. Khan, who has served as mayor since 2016, framed the decision as a bold step toward addressing the city’s rising rates of alcohol-related crime and health issues.

“For too long, we’ve turned a blind eye to the damage excessive drinking causes our communities,” Khan said. “This is about creating a safer, more inclusive London for all its residents.” He also nodded to his personal faith, noting that Islamic teachings, which prohibit alcohol, had informed his perspective, though he insisted the policy was not religiously motivated.

The proposed ban would apply to all 32 boroughs of Greater London, outlawing the sale of alcoholic beverages in shops, pubs, and restaurants, as well as public consumption. A six-month transition period would allow businesses to adapt, with exemptions reportedly under consideration for private residences and certain religious ceremonies.

Penalties for violations could include hefty fines or jail time, though details remain vague pending legislative approval. Reaction was swift and polarized. Pub owners and hospitality leaders decried the move as an economic death sentence. “This is the end of London as we know it,” said Tom Harrow, owner of The Red Lion in Westminster.

“Pubs are woven into the fabric of this city—how can you ban something so quintessentially British?” The British Hospitality Association estimated that the ban could cost the industry over £10 billion annually and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs. Meanwhile, some community leaders praised the initiative.

Imam Yusuf Ahmed of the East London Mosque called it “a courageous step toward a healthier society,” though he acknowledged it might face resistance in a city known for its liberal attitudes. Public opinion appears split, with a snap poll by YouGov showing 43% in favor, 51% opposed, and 6% undecided.

Opposition politicians wasted no time in attacking the proposal. Conservative MP James Carver accused Khan of “imposing his personal beliefs on millions,” while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage took to X, writing, “First they came for our pints, and I said enough is enough. London’s gone mad.”

Even some Labour Party allies expressed unease, with one anonymous MP warning of a “cultural backlash.” Legal experts question whether the mayor has the authority to enact such a ban without parliamentary approval, pointing to the limits of City Hall’s jurisdiction. The Home Office declined to comment, saying only that it would “review any formal proposal.”

Khan’s office insists the plan will be submitted to the London Assembly for debate next month, with public consultations to follow. The announcement has also reignited discussions about identity and multiculturalism in Britain. Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with hashtags like #LondonDry and #SaveOurPints trending by midday.

One user posted, “Sadiq’s turning London into Riyadh—where’s the vote on this?” Another countered, “Alcohol’s a blight. Good on him for doing something radical.” As the capital braces for what promises to be a contentious battle, one thing is clear: Khan’s legacy—and London’s future—may hinge on whether this audacious gamble pays off.