NSW is making alcohol policies based on the actions of a few criminals, says a hotel industry body.
Opposing Newcastle-style 1am lockouts and 3am last drinks, the Australian Hotels Association's John Green says a combined effort is needed to deal with the problem.
This includes harsh prison sentences that show society will not tolerate "coward punches".
Mr Green also suggests looking at high-visibility policing.
"The licensees have a role to play, patrons have a roll to play, mates have a roll to play," Mr Green, NSW policing director of the association, told Network Seven on Saturday.
Shutting people out at 1am would drive people into late-trading venues earlier, he said.
Earlier lock-outs and closing times would cause crowds of people to be on the street at a time when there was no transport and insufficient police.
"We are making policy based on the actions of a few criminals," said Mr Green, whose association has has been accused of being in bed with the NSW government on the issue.
He said the New Year's Eve Kings Cross assault on Daniel Christie, 18, happened between 9pm and 10pm, as did the 2012 fatal attack on Thomas Kelly.
Mr Christie is in a critical condition in hospital.
Mr Kelly's parents have called for tougher sentences for alcohol-related crimes.
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