ASSAULTS involving drinkers from pubs and clubs are running at levels up to twice those of official government figures, according to information contained in a confidential state-wide police database.

The database of 77,000 crimes and other incidents, obtained by the Herald after a three-year fight using freedom-of-information laws, details 13,086 separate assaults involving drinkers from pubs and clubs in the 11 months to last July.

It also reveals that traffic offences including drink-driving account for 30 per cent of incidents, the largest portion in the NSW Police alcohol-linking program. Assault ranks second with 17 per cent.

A Herald analysis of the incidents also reveals that thousands of patrons are drunk when involved in assaults and other crimes even though the Liquor Act prohibits serving alcohol to intoxicated people.

The linking program shows 23,383 - or 30 per cent - of patrons involved in assaults and other "incidents" were assessed by police as drunk or very drunk. A further 38 per cent were rated as "moderately" intoxicated.