Drink-Driving Conviction Leads to Revocation of Petrol Station Worker's Alcohol Licence

Drink-Driving Conviction Leads to Revocation of Petrol Station Worker's Alcohol Licence

A petrol station worker in Uppingham, Rutland, has had her personal licence to sell alcohol revoked following a conviction for drink driving. The decision was made this morning by Rutland County Council’s licensing committee after Leicestershire Police brought Leanne Robbins' conviction to their attention.

Leanne Robbins, who is employed at the Central Garage in Uppingham, was not present at the hearing held at Rutland County Council’s Oakham headquarters. In a letter submitted to the committee, Leanne Robbins cited transport issues as the reason for her absence and requested that her licence be suspended rather than completely removed.

Licensing officer Darren Dolby detailed the circumstances leading to the review of Leanne Robbins' licence. He informed the committee that she was convicted of drink driving at Leicester Magistrates Court on February 28, 2025. The breathalyser reading showed an evidential 98 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms. Mr. Dolby also highlighted the serious nature of the offence, noting that this was Ms. Robbins' second drink driving conviction, with a previous conviction dating back to 2011.

The committee heard that Leanne Robbins, who became the designated premises supervisor at the Central Garage in 2014, was involved in an incident in Caldecott where she hit a wall while driving under the influence. As a result of this incident, she received a 25-month driving ban, was ordered to undertake 120 hours of community service, and was required to pay costs.

Members of the licensing committee voiced their disappointment that Leanne Robbins did not attend the hearing in person to address their concerns and answer questions. Chairman Nick Begy (Ind) prompted the councillors to articulate the questions they would have posed to Ms. Robbins had she been present.

Ultimately, despite Leanne Robbins' plea for a suspension, the licensing committee decided to revoke her personal licence, effectively preventing her from legally selling alcohol to customers at the Central Garage. This decision underscores the council's commitment to upholding licensing regulations and ensuring that those permitted to sell alcohol adhere to the law and demonstrate responsible behaviour. The revocation will likely have implications for the Central Garage, which will need to nominate a new designated premises supervisor who holds a valid personal licence to continue selling alcohol.