‘Licence to swill’ – James Bond declared ‘severe’ alcoholic by public health academics 

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James Bond is a "severe" alcoholic and should have been provided with professional help by MI6, according to an academic study.

Public health researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand analysed 24 Bond films and concluded that the martini-swilling secret agent suffered from "chronic" alcohol use disorder.

They wrote: "There is strong and consistent evidence that James Bond has a chronic alcohol consumption problem at the ‘severe’ end of the spectrum."

The analysis, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, found Bond sipped a drink 109 times, or an average of 4.5 times in each film.

Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton in Quantum of SolaceCredit:
Film Stills

His record binge was on a plane during the 2008 film Quantum of Solace when the character, played by Daniel Craig, appeared to consume 24 units of alcohol, which would have left him with a potentially fatal blood alcohol level, the researchers wrote.

They found drinking led to Bond engaging in "risky" behaviour like fights, high-speed driving, and extreme physical efforts while under the influence of alcohol.

Researchers analysed the character’s behaviour with reference to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, which is used by mental health professionals to assess disorders.

Bond, as portrayed in the films, fitted at least six, and possibly nine, of the 11 criteria of Alcohol Use Disorder [AUD]. That meant the character had a "severe" drinking problem.

The study was also critical of his employer, MI6, suggesting that it should have been shown being more "responsible" in the films.

"MI6 management needs to redefine Bond’s job to reduce his stress levels," the study said.

"More field support and a stronger team approach are needed so that his duties do not weigh as heavily upon him."   Lead authorr Professor Nick Wilson, at the University of Otago’s Department of Public Health, said if Bond was a real person he should have been advised to seek out professional help, including from his employer.

He added: "To start with, M should no longer offer Bond drinks in workplace settings."

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