Why is it that occasions that call for dressing your best also seem to bring out the worst in people?
It used to be that bars and clubs enforced a dress code because it was thought to encourage higher standards of behaviour.
Things didn't seem to work that way at the Hawke's
Bay Racing Spring Carnival race day last year.
It was a day for putting your best foot forward in fancy frocks, dapper suits and eye-grabbing hats.
And for most, last year's carnival was just that.
But by the end of the day, after several hours of drinking and sunshine, some race-goers had lost their poise.
Some got into fights, some vomited on the ground, some threw drinks.
Hawke's Bay Racing was last week granted a special licence to serve alcohol in sponsor's marquees at this year's carnival, despite the objections of police and the district licensing inspector.
Both had concerns about liquor consumption at previous events.
It's likely the racing club will be forced to put in place more stringent controls to curb excessive drinking and bad behaviour this year.
And that's fair enough. As the host, and as the organiser of a major event that sets the tone for the racing season, the club should take responsibility.
Boozing at major winery concerts in Hawke's Bay has caused concern recently, too, and those organisers have had to tighten up.
But that still leaves the question of the people who caused the problem.
What happens to those who drank too much and punched someone and fell over and threw up? Will they be back this year?
Shouldn't those who have to be thrown out or who cause a ruckus at any event - from big race days to the Mission Concert - be banned from returning?
I'm sure there are logistical problems with enforcing a ban like that: such as how to stop them buying tickets, or keep them out without having overly arduous checks at the door.
But it would at least be another way to reinforce that big events are not all about big boozing.
