I've grown up (sort of) in UK bars and pubs despite not actually being much of a drinker, but its sociable. Never really had any trouble, seen 2 or 3 fights in 20 years, most of the time, its outside on the street. More often than not its girls. There are many towns where the bar areas are heaving with people, lots of cheap booze and of course some trouble. Its not everyday all day. Its generally kids - `18-24 who cant handle their drink. Most english people cant handle their drink - they think they can - but they cant, and peoples responsibility level is about 0. Many people will tell you they explicitly drink to get drunk, totally and utterly ratarsed, to use a colloquialism.

Personally, I think that hospitals should charge people who are admitted if the reason is alcohol. A nice fat bill for a few grand for getting stitched up at 3am would have a massive effect. Hard to administer though.