The Baird government abandoned plans to force pubs and clubs to take greater responsibility for preventing drunkenness after being lobbied by industry in the weeks before the March election.

Under draft guidelines prepared by the liquor regulator, anyone approaching a venue while drinking would have been refused entry.

Plans to further restrict pubs and clubs abandoned: Tony Abbott and Mike Baird. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"High-risk" periods for drunkenness, including Australia Day, St Patrick's Day, Melbourne Cup, Anzac Day, NRL grand finals, State of Origin and the Bathurst motor race, would also incur drink service limits.

A limit of four drinks, or one bottle of wine, could be sold at a time to one person during these periods. Shots and high-alcohol 'ready-to-drinks' would be banned. End of year functions would also be classified as high risk.