A RECOVERING alcoholic with a clean driving record has hit out at the Environment Department for refusing to renew his licence.

The 30-year-old man, who asked not to be named, is now sober and recently completed 12 weeks of treatment at a specialist centre. He claimed the decision by the department, which says alcohol dependency is a relevant disability when considering licence applications, is a travesty and goes against common sense.

‘In order to properly maintain my sobriety one day at a time, I need to travel half the island to get to meetings where I can get help and support,’ he said.

Environment issued a statement which explained that all applicants for a licence had to fill in a medical form and if a condition is found that could impact the driver’s ability to handle a vehicle safely, a medical report is completed by their GP. ‘In the case of alcohol dependency, this is a condition which is classified as being a “relevant disability”,’ Environment said.