Cr Hawkins, 29, who is seeking Labor Party pre-selection for the state seat of Cessnock, was stopped by police on McDonald’s Road, Pokolbin, near Cypress Lakes resort, on Saturday afternoon.

He recorded a low-range blood-alcohol reading.

When contacted by the Newcastle Herald yesterday Cr Hawkins did not deny the charge and said he had been at a cricket match.

‘‘I was sitting in the sun all afternoon and made an error in judgment,’’ Cr Hawkins said.

‘‘I’m prepared to accept the consequences of whatever the court decides is a suitable punishment.’’

Asked if he had been involved in any drink-driving incidents in the past Cr Hawkins said: ‘‘I’ve never even had a parking ticket.’’

He did not think the charge would affect his role as a councillor.

The Herald reported last month how Cr Hawkins had denied allegations that he was drunk at a council meeting on November 3.

He said he was shocked to hear the allegations after being contacted by the Herald the next day.

Cr Hawkins, who manages the Chelmsford Hotel at Kurri Kurri, admitted to having two beers before the November 3 meeting and then another two afterwards before driving home.

He said he was tired and suffering hay fever.

The council is working on a drug and alcohol policy in line with its occupational health and safety standards.

Cr Hawkins will appear in Cessnock Local Court on January 12 to answer the charge.