Metro

Drink-and-drive pol Adam Clayton Powell IV lobbying for breath tests

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He not only lobbies for Breathalyzers — he could be a client!

Adam Clayton Powell IV — the former assemblyman who was convicted of impaired driving three years ago — is now targeting the mayor and the NYPD for a New Jersey company that makes disposable breath-alcohol tests.

Powell is getting at least $12,000 to shill for Arrive Alive LLC, which boasts on its Web site that its “breath alcohol self-tester” is “clean, hygienic and disposable,” records revealed.

“It’s ironic,” said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., chairman of the Public Safety Committee. “On the other hand, the best salespeople are the ones who have experience with their product.”

Records show that Powell is specifically lobbying for “procurement,” which means he’s most likely seeking contracts to sell Arrive Alive’s products to the city.

Powell, 51, and Arrive Alive did not return calls for comment.

Arrive Alive breath tests, which go for $5.50 each or $148.50 for 30, appear to be intended for drivers who fear they may be over the limit. The company’s Web site instructs drinkers to use the “easy self-test before you drive” and “offer Arrive Alive Breathalyzers to your friends after a party.”

Arrive Alive does acknowledge that its product is not a substitute for “law enforcement breath alcohol screenings, medical screenings or common sense.”

The company boasts of such clients as BMW, Canard Duchene Champagne and the liquor purveyor Pernod Ricard.

Powell has served on the City Council and unsuccessfully ran for Congress and Manhattan borough president.

He’s also had his own checkered past when it comes to drinking and driving. He was asked to take a breath test in March 2008 when cops stopped him on the Henry Hudson Parkway.

Powell submitted to one test at the scene — blowing a 0.07 percent blood-alcohol level, just within the legal limit for drunk driving. But police discounted the test because they said Powell didn’t fully blow into the mouthpiece. Later, at the station house, he refused to take a second test, so he was charged, authorities said.

Powell was eventually found guilty of driving while impaired and fined $1,000.

He left the Assembly in January 2011 after running unsuccessfully against Rep. Charles Rangel for the US House.

After two years, ex-officials are permitted to work as lobbyists, and Powell announced earlier this year on Facebook that that’s what he would be doing.

“I am now a full-time city/state lobbyist in addition to my business development consultancy,” he wrote. “I can open doors to help you access government or help your business grow and gain more customers. Please inbox me if you have a need for my services.”

His account with Arrive Alive has former colleagues and other elected officials scratching their heads.

Councilwoman Gale Brewer, a member of the council’s Transportation Committee, described Powell’s new job as “pathetic.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You can’t make this stuff up,” she said. “That the company hired him — that’s a challenge for them in itself.”