Q Should the Bar Association ban lawyers from drinking before hearings?
It is absolutely outlandish that the Bar Association chief, Edward Chan King-sang, sees no problem with barristers drinking alcohol before going into court to represent clients.
A policy of zero tolerance should be adopted immediately towards alcohol consumption - of any amount - on the same day as a barrister is to appear in court. There is no need for a barrister to have a drink before court.
And to encourage this behaviour calls into question the fitness of Mr Chan's abilities to be the Bar Association chief and whether or not he is fit to remain in such a position of authority.
It is common knowledge that alcohol clouds the mind and interferes with judgment and reflexes. This is why drinking and driving do not mix. Neither does alcohol and barristers acting for clients in court.
Barristers cannot represent a client to the very best of their ability if they have been drinking beforehand. How the action can be condoned is beyond me.
If I had to go to court and smelled booze on my barrister's breath I'd refuse to allow him to represent me and I would fire him. I am entitled to be represented by a responsible, sober and well-prepared barrister. If he feels that he cannot do without alcohol on the days that he is in court, it sounds as though he may have a problem and should seek help.
