According to Euro News, one of Croatia’s most visited coastal cities is preparing to introduce stricter controls on alcohol sales as it works to rein in disruptive late-night street partying.
Split, Croatia/Mana5280/Unsplash
Split has proposed new measures that would restrict the sale of alcohol overnight in specific high-traffic nightlife zones. City officials say the move is aimed at protecting residents and shifting the destination away from its growing party-tourism image.
Mayor Tomislav Šuta told local media that “situations arise that impair the safety and quality of life of tenants”, particularly during peak summer months when visitor numbers surge.
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What the proposed alcohol ban would mean for visitors
Under the proposal, alcohol sales would be prohibited between 8PM and 6AM in designated areas with a high concentration of bars, clubs and late-night convenience stores.
The restrictions would apply to grocery stores and liquor outlets, but not to licensed venues such as restaurants, bars and nightclubs. This means travellers would still be able to enjoy drinks in hospitality settings, but not purchase alcohol for public consumption during restricted hours.
If approved, the measures could come into effect as early as this summer, with the possibility of being extended to other parts of the city.
Croatia shifts away from party tourism
Local tourism leaders say the proposed ban reflects a broader national effort to reposition Croatia as a more balanced destination.
“In previous years, Split may have leaned into a party destination image,” says Darijo Šarić, CEO of luxury villa rental agency VIP Holiday Booker. “However, Croatian tourism is now actively rebranding to focus on cultural heritage, natural beauty and a more family-friendly environment.”
Šarić adds that the goal is to encourage responsible drinking by moving alcohol consumption away from public streets and into appropriate venues, rather than eliminating nightlife altogether.
Existing fines for bad behaviour in Croatia
Croatia already enforces strict penalties for antisocial behaviour in many historic town centres, including Split and Dubrovnik.
On-the-spot fines of up to €700 can be issued for drinking alcohol in public, using drugs, urinating or vomiting in public spaces, or walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear. More serious public order disturbances, including fighting, verbal abuse and extreme drunkenness, can result in fines of up to €4,000.
Environmental offences are also penalised. Removing noble pen shells, a critically endangered Mediterranean species, from beaches can result in a €67 fine per shell.
Hvar tightens noise rules
The proposed changes in Split follow similar efforts elsewhere in Croatia. Last year, the island of Hvar moved to curb antisocial behaviour linked to its nightlife reputation.
The town of Hvar voted to maintain summer noise restrictions limiting sound levels to 85 decibels, roughly equivalent to a busy restaurant. The decision significantly affected outdoor clubs during peak season, as well as restaurants hosting outdoor weddings and events.
Together, these measures signal a clear message to visitors: Croatia is still open for enjoyment, but not at the expense of residents, heritage or public order.
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