Business is down this Christmas party season for the Lawrenson Group, says chief executive John Lawrenson.

It's more mistletoe and less wine this Christmas in some Hamilton bars and restaurants.

The Lawrenson Group's bars and restaurants across the city are taking between 10 and 15 per cent less from party-goers this Christmas party season, and it's because patrons are cutting back on the booze.

And some are leaving it until well into the small hours of the morning to come into town on a Saturday night.

MIKE SCOTT / FAIRFAX NZ The Phoenix Group is busier than last year, says events and customer relations manager Jacqui Cribb, who's pictured at The Good George.

So far, the spend this season is down on the same period last year, when revellers were still coming to terms with the drink-driving law introduced late last year, said Lawrenson Group chief executive John Lawrenson. He said the spend had fallen between 10 and 15 per cent in the first two weeks of this year's Christmas and end-of-year party season.

"It certainly has not been as good as last year or the year before," Lawrenson said.

His hospitality empire includes Furnace, Keystone, The Bank and The Hood.

"There's been an effect from the drink-driving law changes. We are still seeing a hangover from that, if you'll excuse the pun."

The alcohol limit was lowered from 400 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg for drivers over 20 on December 1, 2014. The blood alcohol limit was reduced from 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood, to 50mg. It followed the introduction of a zero alcohol tolerance for drivers under 20 in 2011.

While some revellers were well informed around the law change, Lawrenson said, other patrons were uncertain if they could have a second drink.

"There is more of a food focus," Lawrenson said. "They go for only one drink and and might like to have a dessert or buy an entree instead of having another drink. Food is a big part of what we do. It depends on the firm hosting the Christmas party, their culture, the ages of the employees.

"Some are going out and doing other things for their Christmas party and coming into town afterwards at 12.30am or 1am.

"There are still some big bookings. The impression is that the economy is doing pretty well."

The Phoenix Group spokeswoman Jacqui Cribb said understanding around the law change had improved over the year and many party organisers were booking buses or taxis so their staff can enjoy a few drinks at the group's six bars and restaurants.

Its premises include the Good George, Good Neighbour and Iguana.

But most bosses are only paying for the meal and the first drink, Cribb said.

"They come better prepared," Cribb said. "It certainly does not stop the festivities. I would say that we are busier than last year. We have a full house. I think that's to do with the interest rates."

However, she said there is still room some nights for small groups of around a half dozen in the group's six bars and restaurants in coming weeks.