Research by the Home Office has found that nearly half of those under 24 are classed as binge drinkers, while half of all violent attacks were perpetrated while under the influence of alcohol.
The report found that 44% of young adults got very drunk at least once a month, while 55% of those said they drank to get drunk.
The percentage of violent offenders under the influence of alcohol has risen from 40% in 1996 to 50% in 2003/04, the latest period for which figures are available. Attacks in pubs have risen by 3% between 1996 and 2003/04.
Only 6% of those questioned by the Home Office for the study were classed as binge drinkers, however, they accounted for 24% of violent offences, and 30% of the crime reported by adults in the year 2003/04.
Young male binge drinkers were found to be involved in 17% of crime, twice as likely to be involved in a fight than females, and three times as likely to damage something while drunk.
Incidences of binge drinking decreased with age, with only 22% of those in the 25 to 35 age group admitting to binging on alcohol.
The Home Office report said: "Those who frequently drink to excess are more likely to report offending in the previous year than their more sober counterparts. The more often an individual drinks to intoxication the greater the risk of becoming involved in crime and disorderly behaviour.
"The research also highlights that it is young adult male binge-drinkers who have the highest rates of offending."
A further study found that police handed out nearly 27,000 on-the-spot penalty notices for alcohol-related offences last year. Only 118 fines were issued for selling alcohol to under 18s by police forces in England and Wales.
James Purnell, the licensing minister, said: "These figures prove we need to overhaul the licensing laws – it's the status quo that’s the problem. Most alcohol related violence occurs between 11pm and 2am, when everyone is thrown out on to the streets at the same time. The Licensing Act gets rid of fixed closing times and introduces flexibility."
