A Queenstown man who was caught drink-driving for the second time while on his way to work - at licensed premises - has had his general manager's certificate cancelled by the Liquor Licensing Authority.
In its reserved decision, the authority said the police applied for the suspension or cancellation of Bradley Cavanagh's certificate in July on the grounds that his conduct was not suitable, with specific reference to his second drink-driving offence on June 21.
Queenstown Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer Sergeant Keith Newell said at 6am on June 21 Mr Cavanagh was driving on Robins Rd when he was stopped for breath testing and gave a reading of 768mcg.
He was subsequently convicted in the Queenstown District Court, fined $850 and disqualified for nine months.
His first offence occurred on January 11, 2005, when he was convicted for driving with a breath-alcohol level of 537mcg.
The police submitted his incurring two convictions for drink-driving within five years brought into question his suitability to hold a general manager's certificate.
The authority said Mr Cavanagh had been working at Beaver Liquor, where he was the weekend manager.
As a result of the second conviction, his employment ended on August 25.
"In regard to the incident, Mr Cavanagh said that he had been at a friend's birthday party the night before.
"He had quite a lot to drink and said that he must have had more than he thought.
"He thought that he had slept the effects of the alcohol off, but had . . . only four hours' sleep.
"He consumed no breakfast and was due to start work at 6am . . . we note that the legal limit is 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath, so his level at the time he was apprehended was almost double the legal limit."
Mr Cavanagh told the authority he wanted to remain in the hospitality industry and seek bar work. However, the authority said it was concerned "that although now aged 26, Mr Cavanagh seemed remarkably immature".
While ordinarily the authority would not cancel a certificate based on the two convictions given they were four years apart, the second offence came within seven months of the granting of his certificate.
"Mr Cavanagh's blood-alcohol level was almost twice the permissible limit and he was on his way to work at licensed premises."
In cancelling the certificate, the authority said there was "nothing to prevent him" returning to the industry in a managerial capacity, provided he had the "committed support" of an employer and had "addressed whatever it was that made him act in this way".
"What he has to prove is that he is ready to take back the responsibility of leadership and live up to our expectations."
