Liquor Accord chairman John Griggs, who owns The Grand Bar and Brasserie in Bowral, said the new measures would help remind drinkers of their own obligations to be responsible with alcohol.

"I think it will go somewhat to alleviate the problem," he said.

"One problem we do have is when bar staff have refused to serve someone in the company of others because they judge them to be intoxicated, and the other friend comes up and buys them a drink.

"Then there's a quandary over who is supplying him the alcohol."

Mr Griggs said it was already an offence for anyone, whether bar attendant or mate, to give alcohol to an intoxicated person, but some people were not aware of it.

He said Premier Bob Carr's announcement was good because it highlighted the issue of responsible service of alcohol.

Some pubs and clubs have raised concerns about the enforcement of the fines, saying the Aussie tradition of "shouting a round" would lead to resistance from some patrons.