Champagne corks are set to be popping in the back of stretched limousines after a firm was given the all-clear to serve alcohol to its pampered passengers.

Bubbly - Paul Thain toasts his new drinks licence. Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY FHDXE10

A ground-breaking Wickford firm is the first company in the UK to legally offer the mobile drinks service in its chauffeur-driven cars after council bosses gave the thumbs-up for a licence.

Wickford's 1st Platinum Limousines applied for a drinks licence after a tighter rein was put on licensing.

Paul Thain, from the company explained the thinking behind having the licence.

He said: "This legitimises the consumption of alcohol in the cars. Companies that even give away a bar are breaking the law, because it is an inducement to sale."

Published Wednesday December 19, 2001