Public drunkenness is a lot less acceptable in the U.S. than it was a couple of decades ago. Office parties now are often alcohol-free due to liabilty issues and the threat of sexual harassment lawsuits.
Flight crews are monitored with random breath tests and hotel staff are know to report a late stay in the bar to the company these days. Times have changed.
Like many other trends, I predict this change of attitude will eventually filter over to the UK.
There does seem to be some awareness of the problem in recent press items:
Why are so many people drinking themselves into hospital? - Telegraph
A quarter of adults drinks excessively as doctors warn of 'tsunami of alcohol-related harm'| News | This is London
Nurses told to cut down on drinking - Telegraph
Alcohol industry may face binge-drinking curbs | UK | Reuters