Tourism business wants people to drink atop Brisbane’s Story Bridge

The operators of a somewhat iconic Australian tourism experience have an audacious proposal to let people do one thing while soaking it all in.

The Brisbane operator of scenic walks across the city’s 74m tall Story Bridge are looking to allow people to drink alcohol atop the overpass.

The tourism business has a proposal before the city council due to be considered at a special meeting on Tuesday.

The operator is seeking an extension of the bridge climb route and also to allow drinks to be served as sightseers bask in views of the Queensland capital.

A lower council committee shunted the decision up the chain.

The bridge’s ongoing maintenance costs are a headache for the city council. Picture: Supplied Brisbane City Council

People trekking up and across the bridge would not be allowed to exceed the 0.05 per cent blood alcohol limit applicable to motorists. Cups with a libation of choice would be tethered to climbers.

“Our plan includes the option of toasting at the top of the climb with a Felons lager or champagne,” Adventure Climb operator and Artemus Group chief executive Luke Fraser told The Courier Mail.

“The safety of guests is always our top priority and we will continue to ensure guests do not exceed 0.05 blood alcohol level, as we have always done.”

The bridge hosted thousands of naked volunteers as part of a US artist’s work in October. Picture: NewsWire / David Kapernick

Objections from local residents have centred on the proposal to extend the bridge climb to the northern end of the crossing.

The extension was granted three years ago, but residents were concerned about climbers being able to see into their homes.

While permission to take climbers onto the northern end was greenlit in 2021, Tuesday’s meeting is to consider applications to build stairs and safety lines.

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation would have to approve a licence to serve alcohol atop the bridge though.

The Story Bridge was originally state-owned and tolled before council took it over. Since then, maintenance costs have been an ongoing battle between the council and the state government.

Originally published as Tourism business wants people to drink atop Brisbane’s Story Bridge