Vodka swigging chemist keeps job (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Vodka swigging chemist keeps job

A CHEMIST who swigged vodka at work to 'top up' during the day has been spared her job at a professional conduct hearing.

Jyoti Thakore, 48, of Edgar Row Close, in Wroughton, admitted misconduct after being found drunk at work in January and May last year.

The mother-of-one told the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Lambeth, South London, that her drinking spiralled while she was living in a bed and breakfast during the week.

Mrs Thakore, who was working at Knights Chemist, in Banbury, said: "I was drinking more and more in the evenings and there were times I had to top up at lunch times and in the mornings.

"In the evening I could go through a bottle of wine or half a bottle of vodka."

The committee heard how on one occasion Mrs Thakore was 'uncharacteristically giggly' with glazed eyes. She had also hugged a customer.

When she was finally dismissed she asked a passer-by outside for cash to get a cab home.

But Mrs Thakore told the RPS this week that she had been saved by regular attendance at Alcoholics Anony-mous and had consumed her last drink nine months ago.

She told the hearing: "It was very dramatic. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Since then I have had no compulsion to drink.

"I feel absolutely wonderful. and I'm a totally different person."

Chairing the tribunal, Lord Fraser, of Carmyllie, said it was 'early days' in Mrs Thakore's recovery and it would be premature to conclude the case with a reprimand.

Instead he told her she could continue to work part-time and the matter would be adjourned for 12 months.

Alex Emery