The social environment in the UK has evolved to create "vertical drinking environments".

You take tables and chairs out, so that you can get more people in. This also means that people are holding their drinks, which makes them drink quicker.

You play loud music. It's hard to talk. So people drink quicker.

You offer drink promotions, and stay open for long hours. This means that people drink more.

Sounds like hell, but people drink lots.