Why I'm doing #MyJanuary instead of #DryJanuary

I've decided not to stop drinking. But hear me out, please.

Come the first week of January, social media timelines (and specifically my twitter feed) fill up with discussions about the pros and cons of #dryjanuary. The world seems to be split between those who revel in its sanctimony, and those who deride the idea and steadfastly continue drinking - responsibly, of course. I've always gravitated more towards the latter position, but more about that shortly.

This discussion gets particularly pernicious within the wine trade (or indeed any part of the drinks/hospitality trade). After all, all those of us involved in the business of buying or selling alcohol for a living are affected if a proportion of the customer-base suddenly abstains. And the movement for increasing abstinence seems to be gaining ground. Now we don't just suffer #dryjanuary, there is also Go Sober for October (a close cousin to #stoptober). As a writer, I don't directly sell wine, but I am complicit in its sale. My bus…