Sweeping alcohol reforms that put more pressure on the sale and consumption of alcohol are being welcomed by Tauranga City's hospitality sector.

From this morning, police will ramp up enforcement efforts to adhere to the new laws under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, passed by the Government in December 2012.

Crown and Badger Pub duty manager Michael Stephens practices pouring glasses of water for any intoxicated patrons.

Under the law off-licence alcohol outlets are now required to close by 11pm while bars, restaurants and clubs must close at 4am.

Police officers will also be able to issue $250 fines for a range of offences, including breach of local alcohol bans, lending ID to an under-18 year-old, and presenting a fake ID.

Bars that serve intoxicated people, or allow them to remain on the premises while intoxicated, risk a fine of up to $10,000.

But Tauranga Crown and Badger pub duty manager, Michael Stephens, believes the reforms have minimal impact on bars, clubs and restaurants as it is in their best interests to ensure patrons behave appropriately on their premises.

'I feel that there is not really too much difference other than just confirming what's already there and enforcing it better,” says Michael.

'We just try and prevent all that [intoxication] and limit shots if we feel that have had a few too many. We just try and make it that they can have a good time.”

Leading up to new changes police have been working with bars and alcohol retailers getting them up to speed – including laminated information sheets now on hand at the bar.

With the changes in force, police nationwide will use an 'alcohol assessment tool” to make consistent assessments of whether a person is merely under the influence of alcohol or 'intoxicated” as defined in the Act.

Tauranga Safe City coordinator Mike Mills agrees that bars and off-licenses are minimally affected in the reforms, and the main challenge is around gaining expressed consent for people under the age of 18-years-old to be supplied alcohol.

New laws state people supplying the alcohol must be the parent or legal guardian and if they are not either of the two, they must have expressed consent to do so.

'I think that will be a bit of a challenge particularly the young people themselves that may just find that embarrassing to get mum or dad to approve or agree with someone that is hosting a party.

'It puts the responsibility on teen drinking back on the parents in the terms of supply but also consent.”

Police Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls welcomes the new legislation with statistics showing alcohol is a factor in about a third of all crime nationwide.

'We are serious about preventing harm caused by excessive drinking,” says Grant.

'Police expect those who sell or consumer alcohol to take their responsibilities seriously too. Everybody should be able to go out and have a good time, without causing harm to themselves, others or the wider community.”

Grant says the legislation now provides police with a range of tools to prevent the alcohol-related harm that dominates their activities every Friday and Saturday night.

'These are new rules and we know people may take time to get used to it. We expect enforcement to be carried out with fairness and good judgment.”