What do you think?
Rate this book
The Drinking Game
An incisive analysis of how our drinking culture is influenced by the government, media and big business, by investigative journalist Guyon Espiner.
Ever wondered why it always seems like a good time for a drink?
Four years ago, investigative journalist Guyon Espiner gave up drinking alcohol. He had been a heavy yet controlled drinker since his teens – abstaining three nights a week but making up for it the other four. One morning he woke up after a big night and decided he'd had enough and he quit – no AA, no support groups. Not drinking has given Guyon a new perspective on our relationship with alcohol in Aotearoa, and a lot of it is disturbing.
The Drinking Game investigates the alcohol the power, politics and lobbying behind our most harmful drug. Weaving together personal experience, hard research and interviews, it examines why New Zealand has such a heavy drinking culture, the harm it causes and how our attitudes to alcohol are changing.
This is a sobering look into how the way you drink is shaped not only by your individual choice, but also by government, media and big business.
Ever wondered why it always seems like a good time for a drink?
Four years ago, investigative journalist Guyon Espiner gave up drinking alcohol. He had been a heavy yet controlled drinker since his teens – abstaining three nights a week but making up for it the other four. One morning he woke up after a big night and decided he'd had enough and he quit – no AA, no support groups. Not drinking has given Guyon a new perspective on our relationship with alcohol in Aotearoa, and a lot of it is disturbing.
The Drinking Game investigates the alcohol the power, politics and lobbying behind our most harmful drug. Weaving together personal experience, hard research and interviews, it examines why New Zealand has such a heavy drinking culture, the harm it causes and how our attitudes to alcohol are changing.
This is a sobering look into how the way you drink is shaped not only by your individual choice, but also by government, media and big business.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2023
14 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Guyon Espiner
2 books2 followersAttended the University of Canterbury.
New Zealand investigative journalist.
Married Emma Wehipeihana in 2012.
New Zealand investigative journalist.
Married Emma Wehipeihana in 2012.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 18, 2023
What an utterly fascinating book. It was illuminating on so many levels.
It laid bare a lot of New Zealand’s toxic (pun intended) relationship with alcohol. Much of this I knew or had heard before, but it helped to be reminded or to have new examples presented - the link between the alcohol industry and the “Cheers” safe drinking campaign; the fact that our two biggest cities have not been able to enact local alcohol policies due to the resources and determination of alcohol and supermarket interests; the seemingly toothless liquor licensing process (perhaps curated by the author to be evocative, but even so…)
What really elevated the book, for me at least, was the author’s own journey, and his own relationship with booze (which so closely mirrors my own). Having recently watched Paddy Gower’s documentary, it does raise questions about the livers of our political commentariat (and indeed our politicians - a point and a relationship which is unpicked at some length, and to good effect) - again with some parallels with my own profession (law).
It was similarly touching, and a relief, to see him talk about male relationships without booze - how do you do it, and how do they change?
Overall, just a really rewarding book. Challenging, confronting at times, and just utterly fascinating. A must read for those interested in New Zealand’s society (health, equality, sport, politics all intersecting).
It laid bare a lot of New Zealand’s toxic (pun intended) relationship with alcohol. Much of this I knew or had heard before, but it helped to be reminded or to have new examples presented - the link between the alcohol industry and the “Cheers” safe drinking campaign; the fact that our two biggest cities have not been able to enact local alcohol policies due to the resources and determination of alcohol and supermarket interests; the seemingly toothless liquor licensing process (perhaps curated by the author to be evocative, but even so…)
What really elevated the book, for me at least, was the author’s own journey, and his own relationship with booze (which so closely mirrors my own). Having recently watched Paddy Gower’s documentary, it does raise questions about the livers of our political commentariat (and indeed our politicians - a point and a relationship which is unpicked at some length, and to good effect) - again with some parallels with my own profession (law).
It was similarly touching, and a relief, to see him talk about male relationships without booze - how do you do it, and how do they change?
Overall, just a really rewarding book. Challenging, confronting at times, and just utterly fascinating. A must read for those interested in New Zealand’s society (health, equality, sport, politics all intersecting).
July 2, 2023
This book made me really angry! On a personal note Guyon's 'no off switch' is the same as someone close to me who gave up drinking 6 months ago, much to my relief. That's not the bit that makes me angry, it's learning how so entwined the alcohol industry and politicians are! It's outrageous that we have poor alcohol control laws because the lobbyists are able to convince politicians that the popularity of their party is more important than the health of its citizens.
A friend went to a charity's birthday bash at parliament the other day. This charity is funded by the Ministry for Social Development and was set up to help those who are struggling to put food on the table. The friend mentioned how much alcohol there was and how big their visa limit seemed to be. I think it highlights the hypocrisy we have in NZ towards alcohol use - if you are poor and drunk excessively you are a disgrace, if you are wealthy and drink excessively then hey its not a problem. Worse still if you are brown and Guyon's book highlights how these double standards sprang up as soon as alcohol was introduced to Māori.
I was pleased to hear Auckland Council has won its court case to alter alcohol bylaws after being taken to court by the large supermarkets. I hope more councils follow suit but also that central government commits to following the examples that have been shown to work overseas, both in decreasing alcohol use but also in decriminalization of all drugs in recognition that addiction is a medical not criminal issue. My vote will be Green, as one of the only parties that is trying to take action on these issues.
A friend went to a charity's birthday bash at parliament the other day. This charity is funded by the Ministry for Social Development and was set up to help those who are struggling to put food on the table. The friend mentioned how much alcohol there was and how big their visa limit seemed to be. I think it highlights the hypocrisy we have in NZ towards alcohol use - if you are poor and drunk excessively you are a disgrace, if you are wealthy and drink excessively then hey its not a problem. Worse still if you are brown and Guyon's book highlights how these double standards sprang up as soon as alcohol was introduced to Māori.
I was pleased to hear Auckland Council has won its court case to alter alcohol bylaws after being taken to court by the large supermarkets. I hope more councils follow suit but also that central government commits to following the examples that have been shown to work overseas, both in decreasing alcohol use but also in decriminalization of all drugs in recognition that addiction is a medical not criminal issue. My vote will be Green, as one of the only parties that is trying to take action on these issues.
April 9, 2023
I enjoyed this, and found it an easy read while being very informative. Some parts of it sat slightly uneasy - it feels at times like a non committal memoir, and though I am going only on my own hunch I feel there’s a slight awkwardness to some of what sits here in the attempt of transparency and authenticity. But the research feels sound and the insights are there aplenty. And it’s very similar to a lot of my own story and experience around alcohol. Definitely a worthwhile read.
August 31, 2024
Thankful to have read this, as much as it is a cultural problem, it’s nice not feeling alone with my inability to drink moderately. Being a “go hard or go home” kind of person it made it extremely difficult to manage myself with any kind of substance, let alone alcohol, which always seemed to be celebrated no matter how badly I would fuck up my life (fortnightly at the least) whilst drinking.
It took many years of harm reduction to get where I am today (snoop doggy dogg sober, not straight edge with it yet, but much better than it was) but it was worth it and I hope others who share this difficulty find solace in this text and how many issues, attitudes and agendas are at play.
It took many years of harm reduction to get where I am today (snoop doggy dogg sober, not straight edge with it yet, but much better than it was) but it was worth it and I hope others who share this difficulty find solace in this text and how many issues, attitudes and agendas are at play.
November 8, 2023
Knight Guyon Espiner now!
“By making alcohol a monopoly drug we have made it compulsory in New Zealand. That might seem like hyperbole, but that was certainly the way I felt when I stopped drinking. Turning up to a social event and not drinking alcohol, I felt like I had breached a code, I still feel that way sometimes.”
“Any public health specialist you can shake a martini
at will tell you the three most effective ways to reduce alcohol harm are to increase the price, reduce the availability and restrict the advertising. The biggest barrier to change is politics and vested interest. The liquor industry is powerful, and governments are fearful that alcohol reform will see them branded as the fun police.”
“By making alcohol a monopoly drug we have made it compulsory in New Zealand. That might seem like hyperbole, but that was certainly the way I felt when I stopped drinking. Turning up to a social event and not drinking alcohol, I felt like I had breached a code, I still feel that way sometimes.”
“Any public health specialist you can shake a martini
at will tell you the three most effective ways to reduce alcohol harm are to increase the price, reduce the availability and restrict the advertising. The biggest barrier to change is politics and vested interest. The liquor industry is powerful, and governments are fearful that alcohol reform will see them branded as the fun police.”
October 22, 2024
Fascinating book that went through the whole of NZs history with alcohol. I enjoyed his arguments of necessary policy changes and found his conclusion even better, where he explained alternative approaches that focussed more on alcohol as a monopolised drug.
However, I felt the book could have done without some of the personal explanations of how journalism operates in NZ, which seemed a little out of place.
However, I felt the book could have done without some of the personal explanations of how journalism operates in NZ, which seemed a little out of place.
July 12, 2023
Why in 2023 does alcohol still get such an easy ride in NZ?...The damage and destruction it has done and continues to do to such a large part of the population is staggering. Not least the cavalier attitude towards drink driving or domestic violence. It’s astonishing to the extent that the alcohol industry has captured NZ, even getting to dictate or influence policy, with the so called alcohol education programmes being sponsored since 2005, by one of the biggest alcohol corporations in the world. It is insane.
This also reminds you just how small, cosy and incestuous the media, corporate and political world is in New Zealand. And that is troubling news for the people who have to put up with it. This means that in reality this smug, little metropolitan elite will always have in mind their personal relationships and their possible professional connections. So they will be keen not to tread on too many corporate toes as it could compromise their “next move” to the next, cosy little sinecure.
Espiner touches upon the old revolving door, citing the case of Kris Faafoi, who as recently as last year, he went from cabinet minister and then to lobbyist (the latter transition took place around 3 months after being in government). You have to remember that these people have very little interest in public service and are far more concerned with personal enrichment.
The NZ government should be ashamed of its ongoing cowardice and inaction around alcohol. Hipkins and his band of incompetent morons and a long succession of previous governments before them should be humiliated by how badly they have let down millions, by refusing to act and to lie down and repeatedly allow their corpulent bellies to be tickled by the alcohol industry, as millions are left to pick up the wider issues brought about by allowing alcohol such a free reign throughout so much of modern society whilst having to meet very little in the way of responsibility or consequences.
What this book illustrates beyond any reasonable doubt is that the current government has a solid and proven track record showing that it cannot possibly be trusted to meaningfully challenge the alcohol industry. Unfortunately the same goes for almost every single government which came before it too.
I would love to know Espiner's thoughts on the case revealed earlier on today in NZ about an apparently "high profile female radio star" who in spite of being caught drink driving at nearly four times over the limit, still gets to enjoy the privilege of permanent name suppression?...Another blatant case of double standards and abuse of privilege, with money, power and celebrity apparently granting you a better quality of justice.
This also reminds you just how small, cosy and incestuous the media, corporate and political world is in New Zealand. And that is troubling news for the people who have to put up with it. This means that in reality this smug, little metropolitan elite will always have in mind their personal relationships and their possible professional connections. So they will be keen not to tread on too many corporate toes as it could compromise their “next move” to the next, cosy little sinecure.
Espiner touches upon the old revolving door, citing the case of Kris Faafoi, who as recently as last year, he went from cabinet minister and then to lobbyist (the latter transition took place around 3 months after being in government). You have to remember that these people have very little interest in public service and are far more concerned with personal enrichment.
The NZ government should be ashamed of its ongoing cowardice and inaction around alcohol. Hipkins and his band of incompetent morons and a long succession of previous governments before them should be humiliated by how badly they have let down millions, by refusing to act and to lie down and repeatedly allow their corpulent bellies to be tickled by the alcohol industry, as millions are left to pick up the wider issues brought about by allowing alcohol such a free reign throughout so much of modern society whilst having to meet very little in the way of responsibility or consequences.
What this book illustrates beyond any reasonable doubt is that the current government has a solid and proven track record showing that it cannot possibly be trusted to meaningfully challenge the alcohol industry. Unfortunately the same goes for almost every single government which came before it too.
I would love to know Espiner's thoughts on the case revealed earlier on today in NZ about an apparently "high profile female radio star" who in spite of being caught drink driving at nearly four times over the limit, still gets to enjoy the privilege of permanent name suppression?...Another blatant case of double standards and abuse of privilege, with money, power and celebrity apparently granting you a better quality of justice.
July 25, 2024
A humble story of Espiner’s decision to stop drinking alcohol transforms into one resembling David and Goliath as he outlines the immense power that the alcohol industry has as a monopoly in New Zealand through political lobbying, advertising and endless litigation. An interesting read for anyone curious about how alcohol became the only legal recreational psychoactive drug in NZ (excluding drugs with relatively minor psychological effects like nicotine and coffee) and why we seemingly tolerate its harmful effects that the industry desperately tries to hide
July 30, 2023
This book really lifts the veil on how minced New Zealand’s drinking culture. It’s not pushing any particular agenda, like trying to convince the reader to give up the drink. It simply states facts and in doing so paints a pretty confronting picture of how politics, advertising, & ✨capitalism✨ have influenced our relationship with alcohol. I found this insightful and thought provoking on so many levels. Highly recommend.
March 11, 2024
This was incredibly revealing and depressing, revealing how intertwined the alcohol industry is with sport and politics, in particular. We have whitewashed this hugely detrimental drug. I got a bit sick of all the statistics but the messages in this book were strong and powerful. The author’s personal experiences and insights were interesting and thought provoking. Not a fun read but very good.
July 27, 2023
A sobering (lol) look at booze culture in NZ. Appreciated Guyon’s candour.
September 17, 2023
A fascinating account of the writer's own life and difficulties with alcohol.
June 14, 2024
I don't want to come across as preaching. However, this is a must-read for all NZers. Even if you think this is not for me or not in my wheelhouse, you will be more educated and enlightened.
I had a pretty good knowledge of the dangers of alcohol and our nation of consumption, but this is so well written and investigates thoroughly how our government and society view our drinking culture.
It's an easy and informative book to read. Well done to Guyon Espiner for being forthright and open to revealing his struggles 👏
I had a pretty good knowledge of the dangers of alcohol and our nation of consumption, but this is so well written and investigates thoroughly how our government and society view our drinking culture.
It's an easy and informative book to read. Well done to Guyon Espiner for being forthright and open to revealing his struggles 👏
September 8, 2023
A brilliant, insightful investigation into the alcohol industry and drinking culture in NZ... Definitely worth reading, I learnt a lot!
October 20, 2023
3.5/4 - I wasn’t expecting it to be so heavy on the author’s personal experiences, but the way it was woven in added depth to each chapter’s topic and the wider points made about Aotearoa’s drinking culture. It’s already changing the way I look at alcohol, to be honest - I went to the supermarket today and found myself looking at the wine section a little more critically.
November 26, 2024
an absolutely fantastic read.
about three years ago, i realised i was starting to only drink when i was alone and sad. this was the moment i realised i needed to stop drinking as i refused to head into even more dangerous territories with drinking. i’ve been sober since.
even more recently, i had to remove myself from a relationship that brought me love. because when alcohol was involved, love redirected itself into anger and it terrified me. i would say it was what is described in this book as hazardous drinking and i really would not like to be in a situation like that again nor do i wish it upon anyone else.
we have a serious alcohol problem in this country and it’s so ingrained into our culture and identity. there are so many insights in this book about what people in the health industry have tried to do to mitigate the damage alcohol causes, and yet, no takers at a government level. there is a huge conflict of interest when alcohol companies are the ones supplying education to young people in schools. because let’s be honest, at the end of the day, they still want profit. where is the accountability for the damage that alcohol causes? where are the people telling mike king that alcohol is not the solution when we take into account how much damage is caused by DV or drink driving?
truly, fascinating read.
about three years ago, i realised i was starting to only drink when i was alone and sad. this was the moment i realised i needed to stop drinking as i refused to head into even more dangerous territories with drinking. i’ve been sober since.
even more recently, i had to remove myself from a relationship that brought me love. because when alcohol was involved, love redirected itself into anger and it terrified me. i would say it was what is described in this book as hazardous drinking and i really would not like to be in a situation like that again nor do i wish it upon anyone else.
we have a serious alcohol problem in this country and it’s so ingrained into our culture and identity. there are so many insights in this book about what people in the health industry have tried to do to mitigate the damage alcohol causes, and yet, no takers at a government level. there is a huge conflict of interest when alcohol companies are the ones supplying education to young people in schools. because let’s be honest, at the end of the day, they still want profit. where is the accountability for the damage that alcohol causes? where are the people telling mike king that alcohol is not the solution when we take into account how much damage is caused by DV or drink driving?
truly, fascinating read.
December 8, 2023
I've read a few of these kind of books about alcohol so it was good to read one more relevant to my country and with local data. It's a good and easy read with lots of interesting stats. I appreciate the research Guyon did and it was more eye opening than I originally thought around lobbysist and alcohol companies. It's quite disturbing the length they go to and the bulls*&t they come up with to justify making profit. Most of which goes off-shore. Even if you think that lovely local wine is local, it very well might not be.
I particularly liked the blatantly obvious point that alcohol is a drug. It just happens to be legal and well backed with legislation - or the lack of successful opposition. I remember when I was a teenager, my mother asked if I'd tried marijuana. I asked why it would matter. What ensued was a rather heated debate, the gist of which was that apparently alcohol is ok because it's legal and marijuana is bad because it's not.
I made the argument that both are drugs and even if I had tried marijuana, it wasn't as bad as alcohol. The only difference was that the drug alcohol is legal and the drug marijuana is not. My mother claimed alcohol isn't a drug. Why would that be? Because it's legal. This was the last time we had a discussion about 'drugs'.
I particularly liked the blatantly obvious point that alcohol is a drug. It just happens to be legal and well backed with legislation - or the lack of successful opposition. I remember when I was a teenager, my mother asked if I'd tried marijuana. I asked why it would matter. What ensued was a rather heated debate, the gist of which was that apparently alcohol is ok because it's legal and marijuana is bad because it's not.
I made the argument that both are drugs and even if I had tried marijuana, it wasn't as bad as alcohol. The only difference was that the drug alcohol is legal and the drug marijuana is not. My mother claimed alcohol isn't a drug. Why would that be? Because it's legal. This was the last time we had a discussion about 'drugs'.
April 15, 2023
There are no sacred cows in this book, they are all slaughtered.
Guyon is clear - yes, we've been drinking for millennia, but nothing like we do now. And the booze barons (all five or six companies that control 90% of the worlds alcohol) like it that way.
So many excellent points about marketing, campaigning, and the risk in politics. Wondering why we can't yet treat this like we did cigarettes.
I'm going to be picking up a physical copy of this one and will pop it on a bookshelf of a heavy-drinking diabetic I know (the diabetes and alcohol chapter is one of the most eye opening for me).
Guyon is clear - yes, we've been drinking for millennia, but nothing like we do now. And the booze barons (all five or six companies that control 90% of the worlds alcohol) like it that way.
So many excellent points about marketing, campaigning, and the risk in politics. Wondering why we can't yet treat this like we did cigarettes.
I'm going to be picking up a physical copy of this one and will pop it on a bookshelf of a heavy-drinking diabetic I know (the diabetes and alcohol chapter is one of the most eye opening for me).
June 25, 2024
This was a really fun, interesting and educative book. I have never been to New Zealand but I feel like this book gave me a glimpse into a (negative but interesting) aspect of New Zealand culture.
This book is a mix of personal stories and what appears to be a well and thoroughly researched thesis. The writing style is really accessible.
I won’t read this book again, but I am glad I randomly picked this book off the shelf. There were a lot of parallels between New Zealand and other countries (Canada, US, Australia, UK). Definitely worth a read.
This book is a mix of personal stories and what appears to be a well and thoroughly researched thesis. The writing style is really accessible.
I won’t read this book again, but I am glad I randomly picked this book off the shelf. There were a lot of parallels between New Zealand and other countries (Canada, US, Australia, UK). Definitely worth a read.
June 24, 2023
Brilliant read. A fascinating insight into how alcohol influences every aspect of NZ society. It felt like information that I was vaguely aware of, but was horrified to learn the depth of its influence and realise the status we give it.
December 20, 2024
Very good book reviewing not only the author's problems resulting from alcoholism and what happened we he quit drinking but also the insidious and pervasive influence that alcohol and the sellers of this drug have in society. A sobering account indeed.
March 17, 2023
What a read! Absolutely fascinating the whole way through, easy to read, and very eye-opening. Highly recommend.
May 8, 2023
This is a thought provoking read into the alcohol industry and the personal effects that alcohol has had on the authors life.
May 18, 2023
Excellent , informative book
June 17, 2023
Really very interesting.
July 20, 2023
This book presents a comprehensive explanation of why NZ has a drinking culture. Makes you think about the bugger picture and not just blame people who have alcohol addictions.
November 3, 2023
Eye-opening - a must-read for all New Zealanders who drink alcohol!
November 17, 2023
Interesting
December 22, 2023
Outstanding book
January 16, 2024
Pretty interesting point analysis of new Zealand drinking culture with the stats to back it up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews