Broads Authority cannot stop boaters drinking alcohol

The issue was brought up by a member of the authority during its navigation committee meeting. 

It follows growing complaints about boaters urinating over the side of boats and staff being abused.

This led to Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles banning people from bringing alcohol with them before embarking on a trip on the waterway. 

Stock picture of boats on the Broads (Image: Archant)

Bob Neate, a committee member, questioned the alcohol use, saying: “I certainly observe very loud parties going passed me at times where you can see that everyone has been drinking."

He asked officials what powers it has to tackle drink sailing.

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

Rob Rogers, the Authority's director of operations said: “It’s not like driving a car, there’s no legal limit of certain units in your blood, we have no way of testing that. 

“What I often talk about is we need to have some kind of balance here. 

“We have many thousands of visitors here on holiday, they are partly here to enjoy food and drink. We encourage people to have a designated driver, someone who abstains from drinking on the boat but we don’t have the power to stop people from drinking. 

“The Broads are not the fun police.” 

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads

Mr Rogers said past complaints have related to stag groups but he argued the majority of problems tended to come from families who "end up at each others throats” after being on a boat together for an extended period. 

Mr Rogers also told the committee he is hoping to see a "much better standard" of boaters on the water.

This follows new rules being introduced meaning anyone hiring a vessel must demonstrate their ability even if they have hired one before.