THE PSNI has raised safety concerns over a Belfast 'pub on wheels' – but police, the council and Stormont cannot agree on who is responsible for regulating it.
Police also say the pedal-powered bar – in which revellers pedal along city centre streets while drinking alcohol – is "entitled" to use bus lanes.
But with a top speed of 7mph, roads chiefs fear the venture by business Wee Toast Tours will have a "negative impact" on public transport.
Officials from the PSNI, Belfast City Council and Stormont departments have been left scratching their heads over whether alcohol laws apply to the business.
The council said it works with police to enforce by-laws against street drinking, but says Wee Toast Tours patrons are on a vehicle "on the road, not the street".
Drinking alcohol in vehicles is regulated by the Department of the Environment, but it says the vehicle falls outside its remit because it's not motorised.
Emails obtained by The Irish News show how several public authorities including the Department for Regional Development (DRD) and Transport NI have debated the issue.
In one email PSNI inspector Rosemary Leech wrote: "I think we're all agreed that the potential danger to the passengers, be it from falling off the saddle or being struck by a passing vehicle, is what concerns us most.
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"I've spoken to DRD Transport NI and on the face of it, this 'vehicle' would appear to be entitled to use bus lanes, but with a top speed of 7mph, they are concerned about any negative impact upon Belfast Rapid Transit service.
"If these vehicles are restricted to the night-time economy as I'm being advised, then it goes some way to mitigating the congestion concerns but does not alleviate the safety issues."
Pedal-driven mini-pubs are common in many European cities, and the first in Belfast has been popular with visitors and locals alike since its launch last year.
Complete with an on-board barrel and tap, the bike seats up to 15 people who use foot pedals to contribute to its movement.
Wee Toast Tours does not sell alcohol to customers, who instead bring their own drink on board. Steering and braking are operated by a sober driver employed by the firm.
Husband and wife team Ron and Jennifer Kenna have spent £30,000 bringing the venture to Belfast.
The DRD last night confirmed the 'pedal pub' is considered a cycle and can use bus lanes legally.
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SDLP MLA John Dallat described it as a "smack in the face" for motorists fined after accidentally using bus lanes.
"The inability of the Department for Regional Development to regulate this is another example of critical indecision. The department should take it out of the bus lanes and regulate immediately before a tragic accident leaves someone seriously injured," he said.
PSNI Superintendent Bobby Singleton last night said: "While police have determined that the operators of this business are complying with the relevant road safety legislation, police and Belfast City Council are continuing to liaise with other government departments to ensure the business complies with all relevant legislation and appropriate by-law requirements."
Wee Toast Tours has said the firm has continually consulted the relevant authorities to establish the business, and said not all trips involve alcohol.
"All riders are required to sign our waiver in advance of their tour to ensure behaviour both on and off the bike remains in compliance with local law," a spokeswoman said.
"Customers are not permitted to take leftover alcohol onto the street, and any excess alcohol is disposed of by Wee Toast Tours staff."
