The lack of error bars when tracking illegal activity is vary suspect. However assuming there numbers are accurate heavy drinking in and of it's self is a vary minor issue compared to say DUI related deaths which are lower in Europe. Sure it's complex but only looking at negatives tends to create bad pollicy as you end up with stuff like "Taboo till 21 may actually promote drinking in the over 21 crowd."
Lower DUI in Europe might have more to do with availability of public transport then with anything else. Drinking group does not need non-drinking member nor pay for taxi to get home. They just take relatively cheap bus.
