EVERYONE likes a drink, but some push it that bit too far – take Paul Riches for example.
How many people do you know who get barred for climbing a bridge because they are deemed too intoxicated – at nine o’clock in the morning?
But that is exactly what happened to Riches, sales and marketing director at Cosmos, who booked a harbour bridge climb when he stopped off in Sydney en route home from the ABTA Convention.
After what he admitted was a heavy night on the town, Riches turned up at the bridge all set to scale the heights.
After going through all the safety paraphernalia the guide said they must all take a breath test.
Not that anyone would fail, he jested. It’s just a procedure.
So Riches blew into the breathalyser – and failed. Shurely shome mishtake, said Riches. He tried again – failed.
“I can’t tell you how embarrassing it was,” admitted Riches. “All the Americans and Australians were looking at me as if I was some sort of freak.”
After downing gallons of coffee and going for a brisk walk, Riches returned and, at the third attempt, he passed.
Riches has vowed never to touch Babycham again.