NSW Premier Nathan Rees has rubbished the idea of raising the drinking age to 21 and doubling the price of a schooner to curb alcohol-related violence.

Professor Ross Homel, from Queensland's Griffith University, has called for an increase in the drinking age and the cost of alcohol, while cutting hotel opening hours.

He has told Fairfax newspapers that overseas research shows such measures are among the best to stop grog-fuelled violence.

But the criminologist has failed to convince Mr Rees.

The premier said it was unreasonable to allow someone to drive, raise a family and take out a mortgage then deny them the right to have a drink.

"You read some reports and that's why, with the greatest of respect, that gentleman is an academic," he told reporters.

"It would be a pretty ordinary wedding for a young couple were they unable to have a glass of wine or a beer."

Mr Rees said he would much rather concentrate on changing the nation's drinking culture rather than adopting a "prohibition-style approach".

And that approach would not include doubling the price of a schooner.

"That certainly won't be happening on my watch," the premier said.

"The notion that someone at the end of a hard day or the end of a hard week has to pay $10 for a cold beer is absurd."

Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell said whatever the drinking age was, it's up to individuals to take responsibility for their actions.

"People have to take responsibility for their decisions," he told reporters.

"I can choose or not choose to have a drink ... but ultimately it's a choice I have to make."