Mersey Ferries has submitted a licensing application to Wirral Council for the new £26m Royal Daffodil ferry, bringing the vessel closer to entering passenger service. Built at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead, the new ferry is the latest in a line of 'Royal Daffodils' to sail the Mersey; one of its predecessors now operates as a floating restaurant and bar on Liverpool's Canning Dock.
Licensing details
The application seeks permission to serve alcohol on board from 11am to 3am, seven days a week. It also requests permission for live and recorded music between 10am and 3am daily. The proposed opening hours are 7:20am to 3am Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3am on Saturday and Sunday.
Return of two-ferry service
Once the Royal Daffodil arrives, two ferries will be in service again. Following the retirement of the Royal Iris earlier this year, the Snowdrop has been the only ferry operating. This has been problematic, as any fault with Snowdrop halts all services. In June, a five-day period saw all trips cancelled, causing serious disruption for commuters and tourists.
The licensing application lists Seacombe Ferry Terminal in Wirral as the address, from where ferries carry passengers to and from the Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal at the Pier Head.
Catering and public comments
The Discovery Café at Seacombe Ferry Terminal has recently reopened under new management. Crosby Fresh, which now runs the café, will also provide catering on the new Royal Daffodil when it sets sail.
Anyone wishing to comment on the licensing application can email licensing@wirral.gov.uk or write to the Licensing Office, Town Hall, PO Box 290, Brighton Street, Wallasey, CH27 9FQ, by no later than August 6.
