The Hospitality Association says all New Zealanders will pay the price for a problem that affects only a few if recommendations to restrict the sale of alcohol are adopted.
A Law Commission review into drinking, which is due to be tabled in Parliament next week, is expected to advocate an increase in excise tax.
It's also predicted to recommend raising the legal drinking age and restricting hours of sales.
The Hospitality Association says only a few New Zealanders have a drinking problem and if the predicted measures were adopted they would hit too many other people.
Chief executive Bruce Robertson says it would be better to make it an offence to be drunk in public.
Meanwhile, the Drug Foundation says international experience shows raising the tax on alcohol is a key way to drive down drinking-related problems.
Executive director Ross Bell told Morning Report he would support a rise in excise tax on alcohol.
