Police have had enough of drunken revellers around Queenstown - and New Year's Eve is still days away.

The antics of some at Queenstown Bay on Christmas Day could spell the end of public drinking in the resort.

More than 800 people gathered on the lakefront on Monday, some of them highly intoxicated.

Police say about 600 people breached the 10pm liquor ban, and left a trail of rubbish.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult says the behaviour of some partygoers is unacceptable and could lead to an extension of the annual New Year liquor ban.

He says it's another nail in the coffin for allowing alcohol consumption in public areas in town during any holiday period.