Pharmacist Suspended for Attending Boots Locum Work Intoxicated and Drink-Driving Conviction
Date of Decision: September 9, 2026
Registrant's Role: Pharmacist
Allegations:
- On 23 July 2022, the registrant drove a red Toyota Yaris on Old Worcester Road, Hartlebury, after consuming alcohol above the prescribed legal limit. A breath test recorded 121 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The registrant was convicted at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on 23 August 2022.
- On 25 August 2024, while working as a locum pharmacist and acting as the Responsible Pharmacist at a Boots pharmacy in Cheltenham, the registrant was alleged to have attended work while unfit because: the registrant was intoxicated following consumption of an unknown quantity of alcohol; the registrant’s speech was slurred; the registrant was swaying with the registrant’s eyes closed.
- It was additionally alleged that the registrant asked a pharmacy technician to conduct a consultation for emergency hormonal contraception/the morning-after pill and sell the medication to the patient.
Outcome: 9-month Suspension Order
GPhC Standards Breached:
- Standard 5 – Pharmacy professionals must use their professional judgement.
- Standard 6 – Pharmacy professionals must behave professionally.
- Standard 8 – Pharmacy professionals must speak up when they have concerns or when things go wrong.
- Standard 9 – Pharmacy professionals must demonstrate leadership.
Case Summary
Allegations
This GPhC Fitness to Practise case concerned two alcohol-related matters separated by approximately two years, with the later incident occurring while the registrant was practising as a locum pharmacist and Responsible Pharmacist.
The first matter was a criminal conviction arising from a drink-driving incident on 23 July 2022. The registrant was subsequently convicted at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on 23 August 2022 after a breath alcohol reading of 121 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The registrant pleaded guilty and was disqualified from driving for 30 months, with provision for a reduction following successful completion of a drink-drive rehabilitation course. The registrant later self-referred the conviction to the GPhC.
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- Full allegations considered by the GPhC/PSNI
- Panel findings and reasoning
- Outcome of the investigation
- Sanctions considered and imposed on the Pharmacist
- Key professional learning points
Original Case Document
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