Newcastle, UK – TikTok creator @itsbigjobber has sparked heated debate online after posting footage of a private hire driver drinking a bottle of Stella Artois while behind the wheel in a McDonald’s drive-thru during the afternoon. The viral clip, which has garnered thousands of views and comments, has led to widespread speculation: Was the driver breaking the law, or was it a case of mistaken identity with a non-alcoholic beer?
What the Video Shows
In the clip, the driver—who was operating a private hire vehicle—can be seen taking a sip from a Stella Artois bottle while waiting in the queue at McDonald’s. @itsbigjobber’s caption raised concerns about the driver’s actions, questioning whether the incident constituted an offence under UK drink-driving laws.
The Big Question: Was It Alcoholic?
The internet is divided over whether the driver was consuming an alcoholic beverage or a 0.0% alcohol-free version of Stella Artois, which is visually similar to its standard counterpart. Many commenters argued that drinking any beverage from a beer bottle while driving—alcoholic or not—sends the wrong message to passengers and the public.
Is It Legal?
In the UK, drink-driving laws are strict, with severe penalties for drivers caught operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. However, drinking a non-alcoholic beer while driving is not illegal unless it causes dangerous driving or distraction.
Furthermore, private hire drivers—such as Uber or taxi drivers—must adhere to higher professional standards. Many licensing authorities impose strict conduct rules, and even the appearance of drinking alcohol while working could lead to disciplinary action.
Public Reaction & Debate
Social media users have had mixed reactions. Some believe the driver was drinking a non-alcoholic beverage and see no legal issue. Others argue that consuming any drink from a beer bottle while on duty as a professional driver is irresponsible and could erode public trust in private hire services.
One commenter wrote, “Even if it’s 0.0%, it looks bad. Why would you even risk your reputation doing that?” Another added, “If it’s alcoholic, that’s a huge problem. If it’s not, people need to stop overreacting.”
Next Steps: Investigation Pending?
While there is no official word on whether authorities will investigate the matter, local licensing bodies and private hire firms are likely to take the situation seriously. If the bottle did contain alcohol, the driver could face penalties, including fines, a suspended license, or even a driving ban.
Final Thoughts
As the debate rages on, @itsbigjobber’s viral post highlights the scrutiny professional drivers face in the age of social media. Whether or not the driver was breaking the law, one thing is clear: perception matters, and actions behind the wheel—especially for those in the transport industry—are always under watchful eyes.
What do you think? Should drinking a non-alcoholic beer while driving be considered unprofessional, or is the outrage misplaced? Let us know in the comments. Check out his Tiktok Below:
