Mayor Tomislav Šuta announced at a press conference that the city plans to introduce a ban on alcohol sales in Split during the summer months.
The measure is part of a wider effort to reduce problems connected to party tourism and nightlife in the city centre.
According to announcements from the City of Split, the ban would apply to alcohol sales during late evening and overnight hours, with the goal of reducing noise, vandalism and incidents that have become an increasing problem during the tourist season in recent years.
Although the final details have not yet been officially confirmed, the restrictions are expected to apply between 9 PM and 6 AM, primarily targeting shops, kiosks and other sales points where tourists often continue buying alcohol after nights out.
In recent years, Split has increasingly faced the consequences of mass party tourism during the summer, particularly inside and around the historic Old Town. Residents regularly complain about noise, urination and vomiting in the streets, fights and vandalism, while tourists passed out in the streets are not an uncommon sight during peak season.
City officials believe limiting overnight alcohol sales could help reduce at least some of the problems that repeatedly occur in the centre of Split every summer.
The announcement has already sparked mixed reactions among residents. Some support stricter rules and believe the quality of life in the city centre has been seriously affected during summer, while some business owners warn the ban could negatively impact trade during the most important part of the tourist season.
For now, it remains unclear whether the ban would apply only to certain parts of the city or to all shops, including petrol stations where many locals and visitors buy alcohol late at night. The mayor has also not yet clarified whether the restrictions would apply year-round or only during the tourist season.
Over the past few years, Split has already introduced several measures related to tourist behaviour in the city centre, including stricter fines for inappropriate behaviour inside the historic core. The new alcohol ban is part of a broader attempt to find a balance between tourism and the everyday lives of local residents.
A similar ban has already been introduced in Makarska, where drinking alcohol in public spaces is now prohibited in several parts of the town.
