A new initiative is being touted as the reason for a recent drop in alcohol related crime in the Kempsey shire..

In September 2012 the Macleay Valley Liquor Accord, Mid North Coast Licensing police, the Roads and Maritime Service and the shire council joined forces to try and tackle drunken violence, assaults, vandalism and drink driving.

They came up with the idea of of a Taxi Voucher Scheme.

It involves handing out discounted taxi vouchers to patrons pubs and clubs to get home after 8:00pm (AEST), on Friday and Saturday nights.

Since the program started research shows the incidence of alcohol related crime has fallen over 30 percent and drink driving is down over 50 percent.

Those behind the scheme say it is improving community safety.