Enforcement would be very difficult, it would have to be judged on a case by case basis, which would take time, effort and justification. Are we talking repeat offenders, like alcoholics too? Does this mean an alcoholic having a seizure would be charged? As said before would this include assaults, injuries, etc or just members of the public deemed "intoxicated". Its a minefield and just wouldn't work! Although the alcohol tax rise with a proportion going to the ambulance service/accident and emergency departments would be a great idea.
Now with ambulances being called out unnecessarily, surely ambulance control should be more on the ball about this too! Its up to ambulance staff, the paramedics ,technicians etc to also teach people who call 999 for non emergency reasons that its not acceptable and to make sure they are firm with the patients.
It's also up to A&E staff to take a firm stance on patients that are brought in only because of intoxication, to make sure they know its not acceptable - but because of the state they are often in I m unsure how this could be better achieved. I m not sure why people think its alright to get in that state, abuse hospital staff who are trying to treat them and have no consequences because they were "just drunk". Also, only just read Jamie's comment about other countries - maybe if not a fine, a written warning would be better.
Please dont think this problem is just a generational thing either, its not just younger people who abuse our services. I hate to think a member of my family ever has a serious problem on a Friday or Saturday night and needs to go to hospital.