Croatian coastal towns enforce night-time alcohol sales bans

The town of Makarska became the first municipality in Croatia to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages in shops from 21:00 to 06:00, citing night‑time noise, litter and damage to the historic centre caused by party‑tourism. The ban applies only to retail outlets; bars, restaurants and cafés may continue to serve alcohol. Local merchants have protested, claiming the measure disadvantages them.

Officials in Split are preparing a similar ordinance that would extend the restriction to the whole city during the tourist season, with fines ranging from 2,000 to 39,810 euros for violations. Zadar and Hvar are also discussing comparable measures. The proposed restrictions aim to preserve public order, reduce disturbances, and protect the historic urban environment during the peak summer months.