Insight for Sunday 1 February 2015
Police survey a downtown bar as they clamp down on alcohol issues in the resort Photo: RNZ / Steve Wilde
Queenstown's reputation as a party town is pretty undisputed and with more licensed premises per capita than any other place in New Zealand, it's on the front line when it comes to selling alcohol.
Since changes to the Sale and Supply of Act in 2012, many local authorities are introducing Local Alcohol Polices, which aim to give each community a say in how alcohol is sold.
But while other local authorities are trying to tighten up the rules, Queenstown's council is shying away from stricter regulations.
Instead the Queenstown Lakes District Council is allowing the liquor and hospitality industry to take the lead.
Radio New Zealand's Tourism Reporter, Steve Wilde, takes a look at drinking in Queenstown and asks whether the bar industry has too much power.