A COMPANY boss who had been celebrating winning a big contract was left wondering if he could continue in business after being breathalysed on his way home.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jack Hall gave a reading of 40 which is the lowest at which the police proceed with prosecution.

Hall, 26, of Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was fined £128 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £35 victim surcharge.

Gareth Price, defending, said his client runs a scaffolding company and on the night he was breathalysed had taken his five employees to the Grey Mare on the Grane Road to celebrate after winning a new contract.

"He didn't believe he was over the limit and the reading is as low as anyone is going to be and still appear before the court," said Mr Price. "Although there are five lads working for him none of them are qualified to drive the vehicle used to carry scaffold and he is uncertain about the future."