A BMW smashed into Queenstown CBD's Segway Tour and Qbook premises on Shotover Street, shortly after 4am.
Shotover Street is one of the main, single-lane roads through the centre of town, complete with traffic calming measures. Long skid marks can be seen leading to the crash site.
Sergeant Steve Watt said the 21-year-old Irish man underwent an evidential breath test at the police station, which returned a reading of 900mcg. The legal limit is 250mcg.
"He elected to have a blood test and we're now waiting for the results.''
There have been several crashes on Queenstown roads in recent weeks, where alcohol has potentially been a factor.
"Clearly the message about drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car is not getting through.
"It's just lucky on this occasion there wasn't someone walking down the street.''
