A WOMAN who was convicted of being double the drink-drive limit has been granted a licence to serve alcohol.

Alison Hayes faced Welwyn Hatfield councillors on Monday, after police objected to her holding a personal licence.

Mrs Hayes, of Applecroft Road, had applied to serve alcohol at her job in Costcutter, for times when her manager was away from the shop.

Speaking on behalf of Herts police, Stewart Budd told the committee Mrs Hayes was arrested in 2004 for drink-driving, and received a 20-month driving ban in 2006 following a second incident.

Mr Budd said the legal limit was 35mg per 100ml of breath and Mrs Hayes’ reading were 47mg in 2004 and 76mg in 2006.

He said: “Having been arrested 21 months previously, she drove knowing she was substantially over the driving limit.”

Urging the committee to refuse the licence on grounds of prevention of crime, he added: “She clearly showed a disregard for the law or is unable to realise the effects of alcohol.”

Mrs Hayes said: “I’m deeply ashamed of myself, I was going though a bad time.

“I have turned my life completely around, this is just part of wanting to get on.

“I don’t drink any more at all and I don’t even have a car now.”

Licensing committee chairman Jon Beckerman said: “We are going to grant your licence and we feel you are a reformed character.”