We can't say we weren't warned.
Tauranga Round Table, which organises the annual Blues, Brews & BBQs festival, has expressed concerns over the long-term viability of holding the event at Mount Maunganui, in the wake of attempts by local police to achieve greater control over the sale and consumption of alcohol.
The organising committee claims the event has now become more complicated and expensive to organise, and are warning that next year's festival at Blake Park may be the last.
It's a difficult balance to try to get right.
Mount Maunganui has long been a notorious party spot for summer revellers, and while police have done a commendable job in cracking down on the drunken violence that used to plague Marine Parade in New Years past, there will always be an element that simply goes out to get drunk, regardless of circumstances.
Blues, Brews and BBQs is successfully held in other parts of New Zealand over summer, namely Blenheim and Hastings, and they must surely also have their problems with people who overindulge - and yet, it's just the Bay of Plenty that appears to be at risk of losing its event.
Tauranga Round Table have done their best to accede to police wishes, and have made changes to next year's event, following discussions with police and Tauranga City Council.
The changes include more security on-site, entertainment being spread over three stages instead of one, and each of the stall-holders being required to hold their own special liquor licence.
The range of food available has also expanded, but while these changes are positive, it's hard to see them proving to be any real impediment for the partygoer who actively seeks to get drunk.
The decision to move next year's Blues, Brews and BBQs to a Saturday will almost certainly see it sell out.
And surely police must be concerned at the prospect of thousands of liquored-up revellers heading into the central city after 7.30pm, when the on-stage entertainment is scheduled to finish.
Another aspect of the event that also warrants consideration is its fundraising component.
Blues, Brews and BBQs is run to raise funds for community groups, charities and youth activities.
However, Tauranga Round Table spokesman Simon Hodgson claims if the return from the time, effort and financial investment put in to organising the event is not apparent, the group would need to consider whether Blues, Brews and BBQs continued beyond 2011.
While it's hard to imagine the police mourning the potential demise of Blues, Brews and BBQs, there is no doubt it would leave a significant hole in the Western Bay's summer calendar, and local groups would miss out on valuable funding.
What the event's uncertain future does illustrate is the ongoing argument between the social benefits of a fundraising venture like Blues, Brews and BBQs, set against the potential social cost of providing an outlet for those people who think that they need to drink alcohol excessively to have a good time.
OUR VIEW: Festival's future has the brews blues
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