A Christchurch property developer says expecting bars to pay drunk customers' hospital bills is "absolutely nonsense".

Doctor Martin Than says there should be a discussion on whether late night bars could contribute to the cost of emergency services.

It's reported Canterbury District Health Board spends about $80 million a year on alcohol-related admissions.

But The Terrace property developer Antony Gough believes people should take personal responsibility for their drinking - not heave it at the bars.

"The problem is your pre-load. And the pre-loaders come to town and are rejected from the bars and get all grumpy and pick fights with people, because they've drunk too much at home.

"They're out of control."