A liquor licence for the Hawke's Bay Racing Spring Carnival has been issued despite opposition by the police and the Liquor Licensing inspector.
An application by Hawke's Bay Racing for a special licence was heard by Hastings District Council on Friday.
District liquor licensing inspector John Lovatt says the application was opposed because since 2008 and last year in particular, there were a lot of problems with intoxicated young people.
He says the carnival is meant to showcase Hawkes Bay, but bad behaviour has instead made it rather shameful.
Mr Lovatt says the 2010 Spring Carnival was probably the worst in history despite strict liquor licence conditions.
This year's event is to be held on 1 October. Conditions will apply and the bars are to close earlier.
