The City of Hvar has introduced new restrictions on alcohol sales in Hvar, banning retail sales of alcoholic drinks between 9 pm and 6 am across the entire city area.
The decision was unanimously adopted by Hvar City Council and applies to retail stores selling alcoholic drinks. It does not change general shop opening hours, meaning stores may remain open during the restricted period but cannot sell alcohol.
The measure is intended to reduce late-night disturbances during the busy tourist season, particularly in and around Hvar’s historic centre.
Alcohol sales in Hvar banned between 9 pm and 6 am
Under the new rules, alcohol sales in Hvar will be prohibited in retail stores from 9 pm until 6 am the following morning.
The restriction applies throughout the administrative area of the City of Hvar and covers alcoholic beverages and other drinks containing alcohol.
It is important for visitors to note that the decision concerns retail sales rather than the general opening hours of shops. Stores can continue selling other products after 9 pm.
The City said the measure was introduced to protect public health and public order, as well as Hvar’s cultural heritage and environment.
Why Hvar is restricting late-night alcohol sales
According to the City, the ready availability of alcohol from shops during the late evening and nighttime hours can contribute to gatherings in public spaces during the tourist season.
Local authorities pointed to problems including excessive noise, disorderly behaviour and litter left in streets and other public areas. These issues can place particular pressure on Hvar’s historic centre and other areas considered especially important to the city.
The restriction on alcohol sales in Hvar is therefore aimed primarily at reducing problems linked to drinking in public spaces rather than limiting ordinary daytime shopping.
When the new rules take effect
The new rules will not come into force immediately.
The decision takes effect on the eighth day after its publication in the Official Gazette of the City of Hvar. The City Council adopted the measure on August 10, 2026.
Once it enters into force, the ban on alcohol sales in Hvar between 9 pm and 6 am will be monitored by inspectors from Croatia’s State Inspectorate in accordance with the Trade Act.
For visitors staying in Hvar, the practical change is straightforward: anyone planning to buy wine, beer or other alcoholic drinks from a supermarket or other retail store will need to do so before 9 pm.
More Croatian coastal cities are restricting late-night alcohol sales
Hvar is not the first Croatian coastal city to introduce restrictions on late-night alcohol sales.
Similar measures have already been introduced in Makarska and Split as local authorities seek to reduce noise, public drinking and disturbances during the tourist season. Read more in Split Restricts Night-Time Alcohol Sales in Shops.
