The case came out of Missouri in the 50's or 60's. You cannot deprive a person the right to obtain food. Why do you think that a court issues a limited use permit in moments of suspending one for driving drunk.
Hardship permits can only be given by a judge and only in extreme circumstances. We don't see them much around here because "you can always take MARTA."
If the person's job requires driving, such as pizza delivery, sales calls, etc., he's going to lose it anyway because no company will accept the liability issues arising from allowing an employee to drive on a hardship permit after being busted for DUI. So then he doesn't need the hardship permit after all.
Not much of a right, at least not in this state.