The drinking culture has definitely evolved the the right direction as in it is far less prevalent now than it was 20 years ago. It is, however one of the ways we bond. Friendships are formed, trust is gained and good times are had, usually by all. There's no reason at all for it not to continue in it's current moderated form and for the most part people are sensible enough these days to have booked a day after a planned sesh.
"Alcohol. ..the cause of and the answer to, all of life's little problems! " - Homer Simpson