There are no limits on an adult walking into the North East city's Albion Hotel in the early hours of the weekend for a beverage.

By comparison in Australia's largest city it's last drinks at 3am if you are frequenting a hotel or nightclub.

Sydney's situation, which also involves 1.30am lockouts, was brought about after a spate of alcohol-related violence including fatal one-punch attacks.

Wangaratta fortunately has escaped a fatality in such circumstances in recent years, but that does not mean it has been free of grog-fuelled aggression.

The city's court has witnessed numerous cases of early-morning CBD thuggery.

The situation has resulted in the police conducting Operation Ronald, an ongoing effort to tackle anti-social behaviour linked to revellers.

Prospective councillor Harry Bussell has drawn attention to the blight such actions generate with the early-morning drunkards leaving some sober-minded citizens fearful as they go about their business.

It is not only licensed premises which attract trouble but the McDonald's restaurant in Ryley Street is a magnet for those up late and heading home.

With Sydney and Albury having addressed violence in their entertainment precincts by the introduction of lockouts and shot restrictions, it is apparent Wangaratta should review its situation.

Is it appropriate for unrestricted alcohol sales at 4.30 in the morning?

Does the community benefit or is it merely picking up the tab for the medical and court costs which ensue when violence erupts?

These are questions worth debating and as Wangaratta returns to democracy with a local government election later this year now is an ideal time.

Police have previously stated they are happy with the staggered closure times of licensed premises, saying it helps filter patrons out of the CBD.

But surely a look at how the situation could be improved and whether a lockout and earlier closure times would be beneficial merits a fresh look.

It is far better to have a discussion now than leave it to a point where measures are not taken until somebody has died because of alcohol-influenced savagery.