Croatia Imposes Alcohol Restrictions in Tourist Areas

Croatia, a popular holiday destination for many Europeans, is introducing significant restrictions on alcohol sales in tourist hotspots to curb excessive tourism and associated problematic behavior. The aim is to improve the quality of life for local residents who have long complained about disturbances caused by intoxicated visitors.

Under the modified Trade Act, local authorities now have the power to limit alcohol sales between 8 PM and 6 AM in areas experiencing noise, public disorder, or incidents attributed to tourists. These restrictions specifically target shops, supermarkets, and home delivery services, while bars, restaurants, and licensed establishments serving alcohol on-site are exempt.

The city of Split is among the first local administrations to support these new regulations. Croatian officials stated that the measure is a response to years of complaints from residents in major tourist destinations regarding the behavior of tourists under the influence of alcohol. The goal is to reduce nighttime incidents and protect the well-being of local communities.

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The measure is necessary after years of complaints from residents in major tourist destinations, who have reported the behavior of tourists under the influence of alcohol.

Furthermore, the new legislation imposes stricter obligations on vendors regarding age verification. Any customer who appears to be under 18 must present identification before purchasing alcohol. This rule applies even at self-service checkouts, where age verification becomes mandatory. Online retailers of alcoholic beverages will also be required to verify buyers' identities through the national digital identity system, e-Građani, with purchases unable to be finalized without age confirmation.

These decisions come in the wake of Croatia setting a new tourism record in 2025, attracting over 21.8 million tourists. While this influx boosts the economy, it has also increased pressure on coastal resorts. The Croatian authorities are seeking to strike a balance between supporting the vital tourism industry and safeguarding the quality of life for residents in the country's most crowded areas.

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The new rules aim to reduce nighttime incidents and protect the quality of life for local communities.