Image: Split bans night-time alcohol sales illustration/CU
Split bans night-time alcohol sales following a decision adopted by the City Council. The restriction applies to shops and other retail outlets between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am.
The city says the measure is intended to protect public health, maintain public order and peace, improve residents’ quality of life and reduce the negative effects of late-night alcohol consumption, particularly in the historic city centre.
According to the draft decision submitted to the City Council, the restriction would apply across the entire administrative area of Split during the tourist season, from 1 June to 15 September. The final details will be confirmed once the adopted decision is published in the Official Gazette of the City of Split.
Which retail outlets are affected?
The decision does not apply only to traditional shops. According to the draft, the restriction on night-time alcohol sales would cover all retail outlets operating under the Croatian Trade Act. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, mini markets, supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount stores and shopping centres.
It would also apply to shops at petrol stations, kiosks, market stalls, vending machines, mobile and temporary sales, online sales and other forms of distance selling, as well as sales at fairs, public events and other temporary venues.
The restriction would apply regardless of whether the sale of alcohol is the retailer’s primary, predominant or secondary business activity.
Shops may remain open, but alcohol cannot be sold
Although Split bans night-time alcohol sales from 9:00 pm, the decision does not regulate shop opening hours or require retailers to close at that time.
Retail outlets may continue operating according to their normal business hours. However, during the restricted period they will not be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages or any other drinks containing alcohol.
In other words, a shop that remains open after 9:00 pm may continue selling food, soft drinks and other goods, but not alcohol.
Why Split bans night-time alcohol sales
In the explanatory notes accompanying the decision, the City states that public spaces in Split are under considerable pressure during the evening and night, particularly throughout the tourist season and during periods of large public gatherings.
City officials say Split bans night-time alcohol sales to address problems linked to the late-night availability of alcohol. These include disturbances of public order, excessive noise, inappropriate behaviour, littering and additional pressure on municipal services.
Particular emphasis is placed on protecting the historic city centre, including Diocletian’s Palace and its surrounding protected area. The City says alcohol consumption in public spaces at night is associated with a higher risk of noise, litter, damage to public property and a decline in the quality of life for residents living in the city centre.
The seasonal application of the measure has been proposed so that it applies only during the period when tourist pressure and related public order issues are at their highest.
High fines for selling alcohol during restricted hours
Compliance with the decision will be monitored by the State Inspectorate and other competent authorities.
According to the draft decision and the penalty provisions of the Croatian Trade Act, legal entities that fail to comply with the restriction may be fined between €5,000 and €39,810. Responsible persons within a legal entity face fines ranging from €2,000 to €6,630.
Sole traders and other self-employed persons may be fined between €5,000 and €13,270, while private individuals may face fines ranging from €2,000 to €6,630 for the same offence.
The adopted decision will be submitted to the State Inspectorate and is expected to enter into force on the eighth day after its publication in the Official Gazette of the City of Split.
However, the final published version should be consulted to confirm the exact period of application and all provisions adopted by the City Council.
Makarska introduced a similar restriction earlier
Split’s decision follows a similar move in Makarska, where night-time alcohol sales have already been restricted. Read more in Makarska Bans Nighttime Alcohol Sales as Split Prepares Similar Move.
Similar measures have also been announced in other Dalmatian cities seeking to address alcohol-related disorder in public spaces during the tourist season, including Hvar and Zadar, while Dubrovnik and Zagreb are still considering possible restrictions.
