New research shows legislation to reduce alcohol-related hospital admissions has failed.

The University of Otago study has found the number of people arriving at Christchurch's emergency department hasn't reduced since the legislation was introduced in 2012.

Study supervisor doctor James Foulds told Mike Hosking these results are't surprising.

"When we set up this study we were hoping Christchurch would have a new local alcohol policy and we could have seen how effective it was but that didn't happen so the lack of change is unsurprising."

He said alcohol related injuries and medical problems are a huge burden on hospital staff.

Foulds said the Government needs to rethink the Sale and Supply Liquor Act.

LISTEN ABOVE AS JAMES FOULD SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING