Licence to booze: James Bond has a ‘severe’ drinking problem

James Bond is know for his drinking and womanising ways. Source: Getty

James Bond is more often that not seen with a drink in hand — famously preferring a martini, shaken not stirred — but a new study had led researchers to conclude 007 may have a “severe” drinking problem.

Researchers from New Zealand’s University of Otago analysed the fictional character’s drinking habits across 24 Bond movies from 1962 to 2015 and concluded that the famous spy drank “heavily and consistently across six decades”.

In an article published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday, the authors say Bond’s drinking habits in some films puts him “well into the known fatal range” for alcohol consumption.

Not only has Bond been drinking heavily for more than six decades, he also engaged in hazardous activities under the influence.

“Chronic risks include frequently drinking prior to fights, driving vehicles (including in chases), high stakes gambling, operating complex machinery or devices, contact with dangerous animals, extreme athletic performance and sex with enemies, sometimes with guns or knives in the bed,” lead author Professor Nick Wilson of the University of Otago, Wellington, says.

One of Bond’s “binge drinking episodes” involved drinking six gin and vodka cocktails, which equated to 24 units of alcohol — enough to knock him dead.

“Other notable features include a medical scan that showed his liver was ‘not too good’ and a MI6 report on Bond that stated ‘alcohol and substance addiction indicated’.”

And even if the drinking didn’t kill him, the researchers say it’s remarkable one of Bond’s femme fatale lovers didn’t.

“James Bond has a severe chronic alcohol problem. He should consider seeking professional help and find other strategies for managing on-the-job stress,” the study concludes

The researchers recommendations for Bond include avoiding drinking on the job, especially when tackling complex tasks such as aerial combat in helicopter gunships and de-activating nuclear weapons, and saying no to social drinks with sexual partners who may want to disable, capture or kill him.

Read more: James Bond urged to get ‘clear consent’ before romping with on screen lovers

It’s not the first time the fictional character has been scrutinised. In August, a UK charity called for the world famous spy to stop forcing himself on women and to get an “enthusiastic yes” before having sex.

The Family Planning Association (FPA) believes Bond sets a bad example to boys by failing to get clear consent before rompingThe Sun reported at the time.

The charity wants Bond — and other TV and film characters — to ask for consent before any on-screen sexual activity takes place, as part of its ‘Consent: Yes, yes, yes!’ campaign.

What do you think? Are you a fan of the James Bond franchise?

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