A licensing application for the 'Post Boat on the River' to sell alcohol and play recorded music on the River Lea has been rejected by Haringey Council, citing safety concerns and objections from the Canal & River Trust.
The Canal & River Trust objected to the license due to safety concerns, the known prevalence of anti-social behaviour in the area, and operational and regulatory issues associated with the vessel. Tom Jackson, Regional Moorings Manager, also raised concerns about potential littering, public drinking, and safety issues due to a lack of appropriate security measures.
The Licensing Sub Committee convened on Thursday 24 July 2025, to consider the application for a new premises licence for the boat, which operates on the River Lea in Tottenham Hale. Councillors Anna Abela (Chair of Licensing Committee) and Nick da Costa were present.
According to the Public Reports Pack, the applicant, Ms M Brennan, sought a licence for recorded music and the sale of alcohol (off the premises) from 11:00 to 21:00, Monday to Sunday.
However, the application faced strong opposition. Tom Jackson, Regional Moorings Manager for the Canal & River Trust, stated in an email that the vessel did not have permission to be permanently moored at the proposed location and lacked the necessary business licence and insurances. He also warned that granting a premises licence could create a misleading expectation that permanent mooring is permitted, which it is not.
Howard Clark, Area Operations Manager for the Canal & River Trust, formally objected to the licence, citing serious safety concerns, the known prevalence of anti-social behaviour in the area, and the operational and regulatory issues associated with this vessel.
PC Adriana Costache, North Area Licensing Officer, while agreeing with the suggested timings, requested several conditions be added to the operating schedule, including digital CCTV, an incident logbook, and refresher training for staff. She also stipulated that the vessel must be permanently moored with permission from the Canal River Trust and that alcohol must be stored securely.
Amir Darvish, Noise & Nuisance Officer, identified a significant safety concern
regarding the gap between the vessel and the footpath, specifically noting the area where customers are expected to place their orders
.
The Post Boat Report indicated that the boat was not officially moored at the proposed location, and the Canal River Authority had not given permission for a secured location. The towpath is not considered a public highway and is therefore not within the scope of a pavement licence application.
Given these safety and regulatory concerns, the Licensing Sub Committee rejected the application for a new premises licence.