Sir John says it is not just the police who should tackle the problem

He said after his last Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) meeting that the UK population had lost its senses when it came to alcohol consumption.

Earlier in the meeting Sir John described weekend behaviour in parts of London as "less than satisfactory".

He also said the drink industry should take responsibility for the problem.

Sir John said after the meeting: "We are living in a more violent society, there is no doubt.

People staggering around the streets, vomiting, insulting, people fighting each other. These people have to be arrested and taken off the streets Sir John Stevens

"You only have to go around the streets on Friday or Saturday nights to see that the level of violence is increasing.

"People staggering around the streets, vomiting, insulting, people fighting each other. These people have to be arrested and taken off the streets."

Sir John said there was a problem with "cultural drinking".

But added: "Why should not the industry who create some of the problems pay for it?"

He said police were tackling the problem but other agencies, including local and central government should also be involved.

Last week Sir John was reported as saying plans for 24-hour drinking should be re-examined.

He told the Evening Standard: "I feel now that we should just slow down a little on this proposal ... let's have another look at what all-hours drinking could mean."