A lack of local information has led to Wellington city councillors deferring a decision on closing times for local bars.

The deferral means on-licences in the city can stay open until 4am in the mean time while more local data is gathered.

The council's Community, Sport and Recreation Committee have opted to hold off on making a decision for up to 12 months, taking the advice of spokesman Jamie Dyhrberg.

"What we've got is a mish mash of information that is incomplete.

"Some of it suggests there has been an increase, but that could be because of changes in screening procedures.

"Yes, its frustrating but the best thing to do at this point in time is let us get all that information".

Police and others want that to be an hour earlier.

Police spokesman Senior Sergeant Derek Orchard called for bar hours to be cut to 3am, and said they're only going to confirm what they already know.

"We can continue to collect data but we've got to do something with. We've got it all there".

Victoria University spokeswoman Jenny Bentley also wanted bars to close at 3am, and said there's nothing wrong with doing that now anyway.

"It is a perfectly valid approach to put in place what you think is the best thing at the time and monitor it and then review it if you have to.

"I don't think waiting for data is necessarily the best answer."