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Transport bosses have been given the green light for a money-making plan to serve alcohol on the Thames cable car.

Passengers on the Emirates Air Line will be able to drink alcohol and party until 1.30am while travelling over the Thames at 300ft after Greenwich Council agreed to the proposals last night.

Alcohol will be served from 10am from new bars on the platforms at each end of the crossing between the Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks.

Danny Price, Head of Emirates Air Line, said: “Now that the licence has been approved by Greenwich Council, we will be reviewing the offer of a premium experience for customers seeking a unique hospitality package.

“Any offering will only be available at specific times and under controlled conditions, adhering to all local and legal restrictions.

“Customers will not be allowed to bring their own alcohol to consume on board the Emirates Air Line.”

The licence also allows the operators to show films, play live music and host events such as karaoke and disco nights at the south terminal next to the O2.

The move comes after figures released last month show that the £60 million “white elephant” link is used by just over 4,000 people a day despite having capacity to ferry 2,500 passengers an hour in its 34 gondolas.

Transport for London has been under pressure to increase footfall on the gondolas, particularly among Londoners.

The application was granted despite opposition from residents, largely on the north side of the river, and concerns raised by licensing officers in both Newham and Greenwich.

The licence was granted under conditions governing security, CCTV cameras and staff training.