3 Friends Just Got Nicked on Their Bikes. WTF!!!

Doesn't it still count as public intoxication in which case they can do whatever they deem necessary to sort out the situation? ie. if they gave lip or looked like they were gonna cause trouble, surely it's arrest time?
Maybe they got a lift home? :) Call them.

http://www.thesite.org/homelawandmoney/law/yourrights/beingdrunk

1872 The Licensing Act

Under this law, you can be done for two different types of drunken behaviour:

* Simple drunkenness: This is a broad offence that can apply if you're half cut on a public highway (i.e. the street), a public place or even licensed premises. As a reflection of its age, however, **the 1872 Licensing Act is particularly tough on drunks in charge of a bicycle**, pigs, sheep, cattle and/or a steam engine.

* Drunkenness with aggravation: If you're drunk but happy then chances are you won't cross with the law. Problems only kick in when you're smashed with an attitude. Legally-speaking, you can be charged for drunkenness with aggravation by refusing to leave a licensed premises when requested, and for being drunk and disorderly - a broad term and one that is most often called upon when it comes to nicking nasty inebriates.