Not drunk...
As an ex cop I do remember some of the factors involved.
The blood/ alcohol limit on UK roads is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. If this guys reading was a quarter of this then it would equate in my experience - approximately - to one 'unit' (a half of beer, glass of wine or single shot of spirit) ie the sort of level routinely guzzled by professional pilots - civvy and military - in France with their lunch.
I also recall that alcohol is dissipated from the blood at around 15mg per hour - but with many variables involved.
I therefore reckon that 3 pints of 4 percent beer would have 'Mr average' 1 1/2 x times the driving limit and would almost certainly leave him with the sort of reading reported here in the early morning.
This guy wasn't ****@d and presumably got nicked just because somebody noticed his beer breath.
Secondly, the breath test administered at the scene is just a screening device. It is the basis for a request for further samples only.
Mouth alcohol will not convict you. A teaspoonfull of scotch swilled around your mouth will give an enormous reading. However, 20 minutes later - a very good margin to allow for such a highly volatile liquid to dissipate - will allow a sensible reading that reflects the true level of alcohol in your body - hence the question 'when did you have your last drink?'
A cop will always wait for 20 minutes on the roadside if you have just driven out of a pub.
All I would say to you guys - and I am just a hobby pilot who is usually found on the Private Flying and History forums only - is this-
If any of you have 2 or 3 pints of beer in an evening, go to bed reasonably early, get up feeling absolutely fine, pin-sharp and ready to do your professional job - you are probably at the same level as our poor unfortunate BA victim.
Without a doubt - there will be some trace of alcohol at the very least.
Don't risk it. Have a glass of wine with your dinner, or a single beer if you really feel the need but leave it at that. It ain't worth it.
The journo's have had a field day with this. Anybody reading the Mail on Sunday will believe that this bloke was dragged, reeling ****@d, from the cockpit.
No way.
There is already a great 'holier than thou' reaction - and there will be plenty more keen to have a pop at him.
However, how many others are reading this and thinking, 'that could have been me'?
HP