Croatia to ban alcohol sales at gas stations after 9 pm in tourist towns

The Croatian parliament has approved an amendment that permits local municipalities to limit or prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages between 9 pm and 6 am in shops and gas stations. The measure targets tourist hotspots such as Split, Zadar, Hvar and Zagreb and is intended to curb excessive drinking, night‑time noise and public disturbances. The restriction applies only to retail outlets; bars, cafés and restaurants may continue to serve alcohol after hours. Municipalities can decide individually whether to adopt the bans, and violators may face fines.

The policy is part of a broader effort to improve residents’ quality of life and promote sustainable tourism without deterring visitors, as alcohol can still be purchased earlier in the day or consumed on licensed premises.