Alcohol-Free Bar Manager Banned After Drink-Driving at Four Times Limit
The manager of an alcohol-free bar in Aberdeen has been banned from driving for 12 months after he was found slumped over the wheel of his car following a crash. Hayden Geraghty, who runs the Sobr venue, was more than four times over the legal drink-drive limit when police discovered him in the driver's seat on March 7.
Court Appearance and Legal Consequences
Geraghty, aged 33, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Tuesday, where he admitted to the drink-driving offence. Sheriff Eric Brown imposed a driving ban of one year and ordered him to pay a total fine of £520. The court heard that Geraghty had been breathalysed after the crash, recording a reading of 99 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. This significantly exceeded the legal limit of 22 microgrammes.
The incident occurred last month when Geraghty got behind the wheel after drinking alcohol with friends following a shift at the bar. He crashed his motor, leading to police intervention and his subsequent arrest. Geraghty, who resides in Newtonhill, has expressed remorse for his actions.
Bar Owner's Statement and Support
Kate Kenyon, the owner of Sobr, issued a statement in response to her manager's conviction. She emphasised that the bar prides itself on openness and honesty, prompting her to address the situation publicly. Kenyon described the news as disheartening for an alcohol-free establishment but highlighted its relevance to broader issues of alcohol abuse.
Kenyon stated: 'Hayden wrote off his car in March after driving home well over the limit and was convicted on Tuesday. For us as an alcohol-free bar, it was really disheartening to hear what had happened, however it further goes to show the weight that alcohol can hold and the impact it can have.'
She added that alcohol abuse does not discriminate and can affect anyone, noting that it impacts over 20 per cent of Scotland's population. This, she argued, underscores the importance of venues like Sobr, which aim to provide a safe space free from alcohol pressures.
Personal and Professional Support
The bar has confirmed that Geraghty is receiving both personal and professional support and will continue working at the venue during this period. Kenyon explained that Sobr is committed to supporting him through the aftermath of the incident.
She elaborated: 'As a sober bar that has tried so hard to create a safe space for those who want to remove alcohol from their lives, we will continue to support Hayden through this as much as we can. He understands the significance and consequences of his actions, and is incredibly remorseful he stepped into his car that night.'
Since the incident, Geraghty has been upfront with his employers about his struggles, which has been appreciated. He is reportedly accessing appropriate support services and working through the issue personally.
Sobr's Mission and Community Role
Sobr opened last year and offers an expansive menu of alcohol-free cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits. The bar's mission is to demonstrate that enjoyable nights out are possible without alcohol, focusing on connection, community, and providing an environment liberated from alcohol-related pressures.
Kenyon concluded by urging kindness towards Geraghty from patrons, reinforcing the bar's goal to challenge the cultural and societal grip of alcohol. This case highlights the contradictions and challenges within the hospitality industry, even in establishments dedicated to promoting alcohol-free lifestyles.
