Manager of Scotland's first alcohol-free bar banned from road after being caught drink driving

The manager of Scotland’s first alcohol-free bar in Aberdeen has been banned from the road after being caught drink driving.

Hayden Geraghty, who runs Sobr on Thistle Street, admitted the offence at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, which occurred on Holburn Street last month.

The court heard how Geraghty crashed his car on March 7 while more than four times the legal limit.

Geraghty was found to have 99mcg of alcohol in 100ml of his breath, exceeding the legal limit of 22mcg.

The 33-year-old was banned from driving for a year and fined £520 in total.

In a statement on social media, Sobr said it was supporting Hayden following his conviction and added “alcohol abuse does not discriminate”.

Sobr’s statement read: “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. No matter where someone works, what they do for a living or how, from the outside, they appear to have the perfect life.

“Alcohol abuse does not discriminate and can impact anyone. It affects over 20% of Scotland’s population, and it’s why somewhere like SOBR is so important.

“We understand and know all too well – how alcohol abuse can affect not just the life of the person going through it but of their family, friends and colleagues too.”

The statement added: “Since the incident, Hayden has been upfront, open and honest with us about what he has been going through, which we have greatly appreciated, and we have offered support when needed, from both a personal and professional standpoint.

“His situation further shows why somewhere like Sobr is so important.”

It continued: “Alcohol abuse does not look the way people imagine and it doesn’t discriminate.

“We are supporting Hayden every step of the way while he works through this period in his life.”

Sobr opened its doors in October last year after owner Kate Kenyon was inspired by sober nights in places like London, LA and New York on social media.

Kate had given up alcohol following a series of health issues, including undergoing two kidney transplants.

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