Reduced drink-drive limits may be hurting bar owners' bottom lines.

The blood alcohol limit for drivers was nearly halved at the start of last month, and bar owners say more people are opting for low-alcohol beers and wine.

The owner of Auckland Soul Bar and Bistro Judith Tabron, says the law is preventing people from being able to choose appropriate food and wine matches.

And Bex Mulligan at O'Hagan's Irish Pub's says it's meant a lot of people are now opting out of after-work drinks.