NARROW boat The George has been granted a licence to sell alcohol from the lower wharf in Devizes.

Applicant Anna Baker did not attend the meeting to hear Wiltshire Council approve her plans which will see alcohol sold from the boat. However booze cannot be drunk inside the 69ft boat and must be taken away from the water area.

Cllr Nigel Carter spoke on behalf of Devizes town council spoke during the meeting to raise concerns over public safety. He said: "The proposed location is not appropriate due to the lack of light and proximity to deep water. One other aspect we want to raise is that many children use the tow path to get to St Joseph's school at one end and trinity in Devizes and whether they would he influenced."

The licence has been granted until March 2019 and the panel confirmed that in order to extend the licence further. Ms Baker must secure a permanent mooring in Devizes. The planning committee also outlined rules to stop people buying alcohol or late night snacks from entering the boat during trading hours. The Canal and River Trust must be told what days Ms Baker plans to use the licence to sell alcohol.