A senior policeman with the New South Wales Alcohol and Licensing Branch has called on bottle shops and pubs to restrict sales of full-strength alcohol on Australia Day.

Chief Inspector Guy Haberley sent an email to licensees in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong earlier this week.

One of the measures he proposed was that they not sell any drink with an alcohol content higher than 4 per cent before 2pm on January 26.

He also asked for no pre-mixed drinks over 5 per cent to be sold after 9pm; no shots or doubles; a limit of two drinks per person after 9pm and for food and water to be provided.

Chief Inspector Haberley says he made the suggestions after a jump in alcohol-fuelled violence on the public holiday last year.

"In 2009, 92 people were arrested and charged with 113 offences," he said.

"[That's] compared to 2008, where the operation yielded only 30 arrests with 110 offences.

"So we're still having problems on Australia Day and this is an attempt to ensure that Australia Day 2010 is free from the anti-social behaviour and crime and violence."

The Acting Police Minister, David Campbell, says bottle shops do not have to oblige, but it could help curb alcohol-fuelled violence.

"Our community sadly has seen some problems in recent years," he said.

"Police are offering some suggestions, they are suggestions only - not changes to the law. They won't be enforced."

The head of the Australian Hotels Association, Bill Healey, says the request is over the top.

"Police have shown no real evidence to suggest that Australia Day is a major problem," he said.

Chief Inspector Haberley says he would be happy if licensees complied with one or two of the requests.