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German court stops "beer bikes" in their tracks
Oct 6, 2010, 14:36 GMT
Berlin - Beer bikes - the unlikely combination of a multi- person bicycle and bar - should not be able to ply the streets of German cities, a court ruled Wednesday.
The 16-man pedal-power pubs have become an increasingly common sight on the streets of German cities, to the joy of stag night parties and to the chagrin of motorists stuck behind the slow-moving beer-swilling vehicles.
The administrative court in Dusseldorf ruled that no more beer bikes should be allowed to roll without a special permit, and such permits would not likely be forthcoming.
The ruling now paves the way for other cities to clamp down.
A two-hour tour of Berlin on a beer-bike with 15 other close friends and 30 litres of beer - led by a sober guide - costs over 600 euros (830 dollars).
Judge Ute Fischer however poured cold water on the proceedings, saying that the purpose of the beer bike was in fact a party in a public place, which required a licence. The fact that the party moved was, in the judge's view, beside the point.
Beer bike firms say they will be hit hard by the ruling. A spokesman for Cologne Beer Bikes, which operates the bikes in 36 cities, said that 'now there are around 100 jobs at risk.'
The Dusseldorf court said there were other considerations, including glasses - and passengers - falling off the merry machines en route.
Operators say they will file an appeal to a higher court.
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