Inspector Olaf Jensen, area tactical response manager in Invercargill, explained the accord and its effects to Otago and Southland agencies taking part in a regional meeting on alcohol in Alexandra this week.
Insp Jensen said the agreement was the result of much work behind the scenes by police, the Invercargill City Council and various agencies, "but without the community's co-operation, nothing would have been achieved".
In 2000, 7am closing was introduced, and over the next couple of years, crime "skyrocketed", he said.
The liquor accord, with closing hours agreed at 3am, was introduced in May 2010 and had a dramatic effect in reducing crime.
There was a 74% decrease in crime in public places in the first year after the accord, he said.
"That was across Invercargill but nowhere more apparent than in the CBD ."
The accord was not a "silver bullet", he told the meeting, but combined with a liquor ban and active policing, and "buy-in" from the community, it had a positive effect.
"It was a long time to get there, working through things with the parties, but it's certainly paid dividends."
It was important to celebrate such successes and monitor the long-term results, Insp Jensen said.
He welcomed the introduction of the Alcohol Reform Bill, which is in its final stages before Parliament.
" ... [when introduced] the Act will give us a little more clout."
