I think alcohol is the present day similie to the Gin and Opium palaces of Victorian England, a reaction to cyclic feelings of hopelessness and social disregard. I've noticed a significant decline of 'pub related trauma' in my area over recent years, (although I'm not in a city centre)! As said here, many youngsters now 'pre-load' via Tesco et al, before sallying forth on their internecine adventures. The 'drink' lobby however is powerful and effective throughout Europe, so any 'ligatures', via opening restrictions, pricing etc to their 'pub property portfolio's', is very unlikely I would suggest. It's perhaps a sad case of profit and influence over health and diminishing social order. 'Civil liberty', as an over arching bastion, is such a convenient route for the various puppet inquiry committees to comply with and leave the status quo untouched.