City water worker accused of drinking on the job - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

An Atlanta city employee is accused of drinking alcohol on the job while driving a city vehicle.

Atlanta City Councilman Michael Bond said that Gary Blackwell, an employee with the Department of Watershed Management, was drinking beer while driving in his city-issued pickup truck.

"He stopped on a hot day to get himself some beer. And then, drank that beer during the course of his activities while operating this heavy machinery – which is extremely disturbing and frightening because it puts the public at risk," said Bond.

Bond said that another city employee saw the alleged purchased and reported it to authorities.

Steps have begun to terminate Blackwell, according to city human resources officials.

Barry Martin, the executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.), said that the city should have a zero tolerance on drinking while on the job.

PACE Union president Gina Pagnotta said that she has heard from other city employees that there is "a lot of drinking on the job."