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One of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations is proposing new restrictions on alcohol sales.
The coastal city of Split hopes to bring in the measures this summer in a bid to curb drunken visitors who disturb residents.
Mayor Tomislav Šuta told Croatian press that “situations arise that impair the safety and quality of the life of tenants”.
Split moves to ban late-night sale of alcohol
City councillors have submitted a proposal to ban the late-night sale of alcohol in certain areas of Split where there is a high concentration of clubs, bars, and all-night shops.
The planned restrictions will mean alcohol cannot be sold between 8pm and 6am. Restrictions will apply to grocery stores and liquor shops, but not to clubs and restaurants, meaning visitors can still enjoy drinks in licensed venues at night.
The new measures are expected to come into force as early as this summer. Mayor Šuta added that the restrictions could be extended to other areas of the city as well.
“In previous years, Split may have leaned into a ‘party destination’ image,” says Darijo Šarić, CEO of luxury villa rental agency VIP Holiday Booker based in the city.
“However, Croatian tourism is now actively rebranding to move away from that reputation, focusing instead on our rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and family-friendly environment.”
He adds that the goal is to “move drunken behaviour and alcohol consumption away from public streets and into appropriate venues”, encouraging responsible drinking rather than “stopping the fun”.
Croatia cracks down on poorly behaved tourists
Croatia already has several rules in place to combat irresponsible visitor behaviour.
In many town centres, including Split and Dubrovnik, you can get on-the-spot fines of up to €700 for behaviour deemed inappropriate. This includes drinking alcohol or using drugs in public spaces, urinating or vomiting in public spaces, and walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear.
You can also be fined up to €4,000 for public order disturbances, including fighting, verbal abuse such as shouting or arguing, and drunken behaviour.
Removing noble pen shells – a critically endangered species that plays a key role in the Mediterranean ecosystem – from Croatia’s beaches comes with a €67 fine per shell.
Last year, the island of Hvar, known as a popular nightlife spot, took steps to curb the antisocial behaviour that comes with its reputation.
In a bid to move away from party tourism, Hvar (the town which shares a name with the island) voted to maintain restrictions during the summer that limit noise to 85 decibels.
Given this is equivalent to a noisy restaurant, it meant significant changes for the island’s popular outdoor clubs that open during peak season – as well as restaurants that host outdoor weddings.
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