There are lots of things that could save lives if banned. Driving for example. However, we have to way up the benefits that those things provide us.

To pick your example. Drinking alcohol forms a key aspect of many of my social activities, such as going to the pub with friends, which I may do once or twice a week. Generally our towns and cities are set up so I don't have to drive home afterwards (tube & train ride) and drink driving is very frowned upon here. I also don't drink excessively and never get violent towards others etc. It wouldn't be the same to go to the pub to watch the football and just have the same soft drinks week in week out (although often someone isn't drinking due to work etc. which is perfectly fine).

It's a really important social activity in our culture and helps people maintain their networks (including older people in local pubs in some rural communities). I don't believe the net impact of banning alcohol would be beneficial and I'm sure it would create many of the problems associated with illegal drugs.