Arabic version: المجلس يدرس إنشاء حانات مرخّصة على عبّارات سيتي كات

According to ABC News, Brisbane City Council is considering a pilot program to install licensed bars on 10 double-decker CityCat ferries. The council is exploring alcohol licensing and a food and beverage offering that would let passengers buy a drink on their journey home.

Councillor Andrew Wines said the proposal was at an early stage and was intended to test interest on a small number of ferries. He said Saturdays attracted more CityCat passengers than weekdays and the council was seeking ways to “make living in Brisbane even more enjoyable”. A council spokesperson said the concept was inspired by Sydney ferry services that serve alcohol, including the Manly Ferry.

Wines said the council would comply with liquor licensing laws, including requirements to serve food and practise responsible service of alcohol. He said the service would not be a party boat, but an opportunity for passengers to have a drink. Details including opening hours and product offerings are still being developed.

The idea has drawn criticism from some residents. One caller said families and children used the ferries and raised concerns about intoxicated passengers and accidents. Labor council opposition deputy leader Lucy Collier said the council had the “wrong priorities”, referring to CityCat staff being overworked and underpaid.

The proposal comes while CityCat operator RiverCity Ferries continues to work through a pay deal with ferry staff. Negotiations with the Maritime Workers Union have been ongoing since October last year, with intermittent industrial action since July 30. Wines said he would work with RiverCity Ferries on bar staffing and remained optimistic that negotiations were improving.