Suffolk: Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles ban boozing on boats

Hippersons Boayard in Beccles made the decision last year, stopping people from bringing alcohol with them before embarking on a trip along the waterways.

The measure was brought in after a growing number of complaints of people becoming "over-refreshed" with guests urinating off the side of boats and staff being abused on their return. 

Boats moored up on the Broads (Image: Newsquest)

Mary Sparrow, director of Hippersons Boatyard, said: "We made the decision last year after a series of incidents and it has been in place the whole season.

"It was proving quite difficult for our staff with people loading up crates of beers and bottles of wines and spirits for a day trip.

"It was only a minority of people but we decided to put a stop to it as they were putting their own lives at risk and also other water users in danger.

"You wouldn't drink this much and get behind the wheel of a car so why would you do it on a boat?"

READ MORE: Boozy Broads becomes 'hotspot' for heavy drinking

Hippersons takes a £250 deposit for use of their cruisers which they will keep if people return drunk.

Ms Sparrow said the majority of its customers welcomed the decision, allowing them to "enjoy the river at its best" without coming across anti-social behaviour.

A Broads Authority bye-law states people shouldn't navigate a boat whilst under the influence of drink or drugs if they are "incapable of taking proper control of the vessel".

Mary Sparrow, director of Hippersons Boatyard (Image: Newsquest)

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She added: "We used to have multiple incidents a week but now it is only perhaps once a month or every six weeks. The situation has improved greatly.

"The ban doesn't stop people from enjoying a drink in moderation at one of the lovely local pubs we have along the river but it has stopped a minority not thinking it through and causing problems."