In addition, officials' main experience in organizing large events is buttoned-up Communist Party meetings in a system that offers little incentive to temper directives with some common sense.
"They're used to controlling huge numbers of people but not in a way that's always open or inviting," said Tom Lansner, who teaches international media at Columbia University. "You never get much credit for sticking your neck out."
Hong Huang, blogger and editor of iLook Magazine, said Olympic organizers weren't terribly concerned about street parties or hoi polloi.
"China is one of the most elite societies you can imagine and if you're part of the Olympics, you're part of the elite," Hong said. "It's a way to say 'We've made it, we're the new hot kids on the block.' "
Hong has had her identity checked several times while walking on the streets, and her neighborhood now requires residents to "volunteer" their time watching for suspicious people.
"This is all going to make people feel that we're somehow still living in a police state, which is unfortunate," she added. "I felt we moved beyond that, but to revert to that, it's too bad."
Some, however, predict restrictions will ease once the Games are underway and officials are able to relax a bit.
"Even if you don't have fun at the bars, people can go elsewhere," said Jim Boyce, author of a blog on Beijing’s wine and night life activities.
"Most visitors will be thrilled to eat some Peking duck and go to the Great Wall. Barring a disaster, they'll leave with a good impression."
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mark.magnier@latimes.com
