The mayor of Split, Tomislav Šuta, explained the reason for the regulation in his statement to the Croatian press, saying: “Situations arise that affect the safety and quality of life of tenants.”
According to Euronews news; City council members put forward a proposal to ban the sale of alcohol at night in some areas where clubs, bars and convenience stores are concentrated. According to the planned regulation, markets and liquor stores will no longer be allowed to sell alcohol between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the morning. However, clubs and restaurants are exempt from this restriction; In other words, visitors can continue drinking in licensed establishments at night.
The new measures are expected to come into force this summer. Mayor Šuta said that the application could be expanded to other parts of the city if necessary.
Darijo Šarić, CEO of Split-based luxury villa rental company VIP Holiday Booker, explained that the city has relied on the image of a “party destination” in recent years, but Croatian tourism is now trying to move away from this perception and emphasize cultural heritage, natural beauty and a family-friendly environment.
Šarić emphasized that the goal is not to stop entertainment completely, but to “move the behavior of drunkenness and alcohol consumption from public spaces to appropriate places.”
In Croatia, various sanctions are currently being imposed on tourists who misbehave.
In many inner cities such as Split and Dubrovnik, immediate fines of up to 700 euros can be imposed for behavior such as drinking alcohol or drugs in public spaces, urinating or vomiting on the street, walking around without a shirt or in a swimsuit.
In cases such as fights, shouting, verbal taunts and disturbing public order due to drunkenness, the fine can be up to 4,000 euros. A fine of 67 euros per mussel is imposed on beaches for catching precious pen shells, which play an important role in the Mediterranean ecosystem and are threatened with extinction.
Last year, the island of Hvar, known for its nightlife, took a similar step. The town of Hvar, which shares the same name as the island, has decided to continue limiting noise to 85 decibels during the summer months.
The noise level equivalent to a crowded restaurant has led to significant changes, particularly for seasonal open-air clubs and restaurants hosting outdoor weddings. The new regulations planned by Split are seen as the final step in the country’s effort to break away from its party tourism image.
