Croatia's Sunday Shopping Ban Sparks Debate Over New Alcohol Sale Restrictions

The Croatian government has enacted a ban on Sunday shopping, a measure supported by more than two‑thirds of the population. While most stores remain closed, a single shop that stayed open in a city attracted large crowds, highlighting the public's mixed reaction.

Following the national ban, the government also amended legislation allowing local municipalities to prohibit the nighttime sale of alcoholic beverages in shops. The coastal town of Makarska was the first to adopt such a restriction, and the mayor of Split, Tomislav Šuta, announced plans to follow suit. Opposition parties, including the SDP and Možemo, have criticized the measures, arguing they limit consumer freedom and could harm tourism.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković defended the policies as necessary for public order and to support local hospitality businesses, suggesting that restricting alcohol sales in stores will drive more customers to bars and restaurants.