Croatian Cities Split, Zadar and Hvar to Ban Nighttime Alcohol Sales from 2026
The Croatian parliament approved a law allowing municipalities to prohibit the sale of alcohol in shops, kiosks and fuel stations between 21:00 and 06:00. The vote was 117‑out of 151 members in favour.
Split, Zadar and the island of Hvar are the first local authorities to announce they will implement the night‑time ban. The measure does not affect bars or restaurants, which may continue to serve alcohol. Zagreb’s mayor is also reviewing a similar restriction.
The reform is aimed at curbing public‑order problems linked to large numbers of tourists – incidents of public drinking, noise and urination have drawn complaints from residents. Tourism minister Tonci Glavina said the rule is intended to help communities live in a “good symbiosis with tourism”. Penalties for public drinking in Split can reach €300.
In 2025 Croatia hosted roughly 22 million visitors, underscoring the potential impact of the new regulation on both locals and the tourism sector.