Call to change the definition of drunk Feeling tipsy? The state's hoteliers want to change the definition of what it means to be drunk. The word "drunk" should be redefined and "vindictive" police should be barred from slapping fines on pubs and clubs under law changes proposed by NSW's powerful hotel lobby. The Australian Hotels Association says the current definition of "intoxicated" - used to decide who should be refused service or removed from a venue - is too subjective, covering everything from exuberant behaviour to being stupefied. The association believes it should be replaced by the term "unduly intoxicated," which would include those who are "swaying, asleep, aggressive [or] belligerent," or whose speech, balance or co-ordination is badly affected. The suggestion forms part of a submission to a five-year state government review of liquor laws, which aims to ensure that legislation keeps pace with community expectations. The government is under pressure to tighten the laws and address alcohol-related violence following a string of incidents such as the death of teenager Thomas Kelly, who was king-hit during a night out with friends in Kings Cross last year. The hotels association's submission says "punitive and in some cases vindictive" police are misusing resources by inspecting premises when they should be cracking down on alcohol-related violence. It says police are "distracting and frustrating" staff by conducting audits during busy periods, and that compliance should be the sole responsibility of the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing. Resources should be directed to crime that occurs away from licensed venues, it says, adding that this would dispel community perceptions that "the streets are out of control and that [the] government is doing little about it." The association called for a "culture of personal responsibility" to be enshrined in law. It was backed by the Star Casino, whose operator, Echo Entertainment, said people who become so drunk they need an ambulance should be fined at least $2000. A NSW Police spokesman declined to comment on the hotel association's claims, but said police acted withing their duties by enforcing compliance at licensed venues. The Police Association of NSW supports calls for a 1am lockout and 3am closing time for every hotel in the state, unless earlier times have already been imposed. It says the sale of shots and mixed drinks with more than 30ml of alcohol, and ready mixed drinks stronger than 5 per cent alcohol by volume, should be prohibited after 10pm. The Australian Medical Association NSW says the burden of disease and injury due to alcohol-related harm is worsening. It quotes Nepean Hospital maxillofacial surgeon Peter Aquilina, who graphically described treating "young men and women with their noses spread across their faces" and a patient "kicked so hard in the face that his eye socket is smashed and we have to prise his swollen eyelids open to see if his eyeball is still intact." The City of Sydney wants liquor licenses reviewed every three years, rather than issued in perpetuity, so that venues consistently in breach of conditions may lose the right to operate. Such systems operate in international cities including New York and Amsterdam. "Saturation zone" powers should be established so councils can declare areas with a high number of licensed premises off-limits to new venues, it says. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the council wanted a thriving night-time economy, not "violent, anti-social behaviour such as attacks on other patrons or fights spilling out onto the streets." The council also called for small-bar licenses to be streamlined and the maximum patron limit doubled to 120 people.