In the UK the punishment for drink driving is very minor. I have seen some sentences which didn't even involve suspended licences or bans. One of those was a repeat offender - he argued if he lost his licence he would no longer be able to work to support his children and got away with a fine!

The authorities do take a harder stance if people are killed, but it still doesn't seem to be much of a deterrent.

Especially in Scotland, it just isn't seen as that bad. It should be 100% unacceptable. I know if I have a long drive ahead of me I won't have anything to drink, and even if I am in town for a large meal and maybe a film I'll still be in two minds whether to have 1 beer or none. Usually I end up drinking coke, which sucks, but at least I'm not out killing or injuring people.