Sgt Kim Chirnside said in Wānaka’s weekly police-media conference on Wednesday the surge in pre-Christmas work parties was noticeable and many people were going to local bars afterwards for more drinks.
While some employers enabled staff to get a ride home, plenty of people were still ending up in bars after work dos, he said.
Wānaka police were keen for employers to take responsibility for getting workers home, he said.
"There are too many people staggering around the streets at night looking for a ride home," he said.
"[The] police want employers to take responsibility and make sure their staff take part in safe behaviours in whatever activities they do."
Sgt Chirnside said people could also expect to see a lot more of the regional "booze bus" that came to town last weekend and booked a few people.
There were six drink-driving arrests in the seven days to December 13.
None of the drivers blew extremely excessive breath alcohol readings [for over-20s, the legal limit is 250mcg and the blood alcohol limit is 50 milligrams (mg)/l; for under-20s the limit is zero] "but one was a person with more than three previous convictions for it, and they were also a disqualified driver," Sgt Chirnside said.
Investigations are continuing into the one serious motor vehicle crash during the week.
It was not alcohol or speed related, but still was "a lucky escape" for the people concerned, as their vehicle nearly ended up going over the edge of the Makarora-Luggate
Highway into Lake Wānaka, he said.
Meanwhile, four Wānaka retailers — three big and one small — have had ongoing issues with theft.
Wānaka police have also arrested and charged a 24-year-old man with assault in a family relationship and strangulation.
The man has already appeared in the Queenstown District Court and was remanded on bail until his next court date in January.
