Croatia enacts law to limit alcohol sales in tourist hotspots

The Croatian Parliament approved an amendment granting municipalities the authority to restrict the sale of alcohol after a set hour in order to curb public drunkenness by tourists. The measure is intended to protect public health, order, cultural heritage and the environment, while bars and restaurants are exempt.

Split, a town notorious for intoxicated visitors, will ban alcohol sales from 21:00 to 06:00. Other popular destinations such as the island of Hvar and the capital Zagreb are evaluating similar restrictions. Tourism accounts for roughly 20% of Croatia’s GDP, with almost 22 million visitors recorded last year.