MATES who shout a round of beers to their drunk friends could end up in court under tough new drinking and intoxication laws.

New South Wales Police Minister Mike Gallacher told The Sunday Telegraph public drunkenness was the biggest cause of public disorder in NSW.

Mr Gallacher said he was determined to crush the culture that made it acceptable to get irresponsibly drunk.

The former police officer said friends and family needed to shoulder some of the responsibility of curtailing a drunk's boozy night before the person became a menace.

He said mates could find themselves in court giving evidence about why their friend had been drunk and disorderly.

"We already have responsible service of alcohol. Now we will have responsible consumption of alcohol," Mr Gallacher said.

"Drunks have to start becoming responsible for their own actions.

"You can't put brains in statues, but you can make it clear to your mate who is carrying on like a clown that there will be serious consequences if he doesn't get himself into a cab and go home."

The laws will make it an offence to be drunk and disorderly, give police the power to issue on-the-spot fines of up $500 and arrest drunks causing trouble.

There will also be improved "moving-on laws" that allow police to tell an intoxicated person to leave an entertainment area, as well as a trial of "sobering-up centres".

Mr Gallacher said he would also be working with Attorney-General Greg Smith to ensure those charged with being drunk and disorderly would not be able to escape punishment by appealing against the penalty through the court system.

Mr Gallacher warned that under the new laws, a drunk swearing loudly and being aggressive was as much a chance of being locked up as one who punched someone.

"These laws will change the culture in NSW," he said.

"Drinkers have to know they run the risk of their friends getting in serious trouble with the law if they don't look after them on a Friday or Saturday night."

Mr Gallacher said he wanted to make public drunkenness as "unacceptable as lighting up a cigarette at the dinner table".