The New Caledonian government has adopted a comprehensive plan to counter excessive drinking, which has been identified as a key problem.
French police officers in New Caledonia. Photo: AFP
It said it affected public health and was a factor in just about all offences.
The government has already decided to hike the tax on alcohol by up to 25 percent and wants to adopt several more measures to reduce drinking.
These included a ban on advertising and promotion of alcohol as well as further restrictions on where alcoholic beverages may be sold.
Because of alcohol abuse New Caledonia has a per capita higher road toll than France, more domestic violence and more public brawling.
About 20 percent of arrests for public drunkenness in all of France are made in New Caledonia.
