There has been a 30% increase in the number of punishments handed out to bars and liquor stores.
The Liquor Licencing Agency's annual report shows that 306 licences have been suspended this year, up from 244 in 2010.
The chair of the authority, Judge John Hole, says the increase is the result of higher awareness by police that liquor abuse is a prime generator of crime.
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson says many license holders are being stung by undercover police operations despite doing all they can to avoid supplying alcohol to intoxicated or underage people.
