Well, it's no coincidence IMHO that the increase in drunkenness and loutish behaviour has happened over a period when licencing laws have become more and more relaxed.

This is partly true I think. But you have to look at how, why and where the relaxation has taken place. Extended opening hours were given to nightcubs etc via and under the pretence of providing Public Entertainment. There was money to pay (or you could possibly describe this as a bribe or protection money) local authorities for the PELs from the revenue gained from catering to and targetting the young people who were encouraged by many clever marketing tricks to consume more and more alcohol and spill-out on our streets at the early hours of the morning.   

Less people are going out to drink but those that do - are drinking more.

The thing that is pissing me off from many of the local applications that I have seen is that although many residents may object to the extended hours - these applications are granted but conditions are then placed upon things like live music and indoor sports - which no one has objected to and are not really the concern.....