More than 1,000 people have taken part in a regional survey on the causes of alcohol-fueled bad behaviour in town and city centres.
Undertaken by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Tony Hogg, the results so far have shown cultural acceptability and the effects of pre-loading are considered to be the main reasons, with 38 and 33 per cent respectively.
Special drink offers in pubs and clubs are also high on the list at 21 per cent. Opening times, however, are considered less relevant at nine per cent.
Hogg said the views of students and young adults will play an important role in attempts to cut down on alcohol-related crime and misuse in Devon and Cornwall.
He said: "There is no easy answer, but we need to initiate cultural change in our cities, towns and villages. We all need to ask ourselves what kind of place we want to live in? Being drunk is no excuse for behaving badly.
"The cost to our society, not just in policing terms, is massive. It's unsustainable.
"Changing people's behaviour is a massive challenge. We want to work closely with the public to better understand their view of the problem and how they would solve it."
Group meetings will initially centre on the issue of cultural responsibility of bad behaviour, with the PCC also listening to the opinions of university and higher education students as well as other young people.
The PCC will be holding stands at events across the summer, including the Mid Devon Show and Cornwall Pride, where public members can share their views on the matter.
PCC Strategy and Planning manager Lisa Vango said to reduce alcohol-fueled bad behaviour on nights out we need to understand what is driving the behaviour.
"If we don't, then our communities will continue to be harmed and our policing resources stretched."
