Queenstown United in Violence and Alcohol Reduction chairwoman Ann Fowler officiated at the forum and stressed the real mechanism for change would be community input.
She was referring to the Alcohol Reform Bill, details of which are expected to be made public in mid-October, with submissions likely to be considered by the Justice and Electoral Select Committee in November.
"We are all deeply concerned about the state of alcohol in New Zealand and we are calling on the Government to make a reform," she said.
"The Government has abdicated its responsibility and we are encouraging everyone to make a submission."
Other speakers at the forum were Senior Sergeant John Fookes, of Queenstown, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes and hospitality operator Russell Gray, of Good Bars Ltd.
Mr Geddes said the issue of alcohol reform was of huge importance to the Queenstown lakes economy and the community would face difficulties in coming to an agreement.
"This will not be one simple solution," he said.
"People need to work together to create the solution."
Mr Gray said there was a "need for reform".
He also suggested that on the issue of excess alcohol consumption, accountability should become the responsibility of the individual.
"The focus needs to be on the person, not on alcohol or on those who serve them," he said. Mr Gray also suggested that restricting licensed premises to earlier closing hours would increase alcohol-related crime.
"Do we really want late-night revelers in an organised premises or do we want them causing mayhem as a result of frustration because Queenstown closed at 2am?" he said.
However, Snr Sgt Fookes disagreed and said the real issue was a result of ever-increasing tourism.
"The longer someone is drinking, the more intoxicated they will become.
"We need to to target those who are here for a good time, not a long time," he said.
