idiotically low UK alcohol law
The limit
is idiotic - it's far too high, not low. He should be suspended from his job until he has had sufficient therapy to ensure as far as possible that he has recognised his alcohol problem and it is under good control. As a nurse I have seen far too much of the consequences of excessive drinking. If the USA limits for pilots are higher than those in the UK you will never find me flying with a USA airline, it just won't be worth the risk and I shall also warn my friends of this situation.
I should say it is the USA which needs to "get real" as you put it.
Thank goodness for an enlightened chief pilot going to bat for him.
He's not what I would call an enlightened CP if he thinks it is fine to drink and fly. A long spell in an alcohol-free country might do both of them some good.