The Queenstown Alcohol Accord, which represents 31 downtown bars, has asked the Queenstown Lakes District Council to pay for two "fully licensed security guards'' to patrol the CBD.
Bar owner Mike Burgess, chairman of the seven-person accord committee, said: "I think it's a great initiative and those who want a safer community at night should be for it.
"It's an extra level of safety.''
The patrollers would operate on Fridays and Saturdays, 10pm-4am, over seven months - December to March and June to August.
Asked whether security guards could be a source of more conflict, Mr Burgess said: "More security potentially means more safety, so I'd suggest there'd be less conflict.
"It'll assist in identifying trouble-makers and those who are intoxicated.
"Then police can be alerted and those people dealt with.''
New Zealand Council for Civil Liberties committee member Kevin McCormack warned there should be tight rules for such a scheme, should it go ahead.
Rules could include how the guards acted "when they encounter persons or incidents that need to be referred to the police'', he said.
The submission made no mention of the principles of camera use, as well as access to data, security of data and retention of data, Mr McCormack said.
The council would not comment on annual plan submissions under consideration.
In an emailed statement, Senior Sergeant John Fookes said: "Police support taking a partnership approach to reducing alcohol harm in Queenstown.
"Queenstown police are currently working on submissions for council looking at the effect of alcohol on the community and possible steps that could be taken to reduce harm.''
