Changes in Split’s Nightlife: Proposed Ban on Alcohol Sales

Vacationers in Croatia’s second-largest city might experience a notable shift in nightlife.

Split is contemplating a ban on alcohol sales during the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., although licensed places like bars, restaurants, and nightclubs would be exempt.

Economy Minister Ante Shussunyar shared the news on Wednesday, outlining a plan to amend trade laws in the country. He emphasized that this initiative is intended to promote public health, particularly for children and young people, as well as to uphold public order and preserve the environment and cultural heritage.

Shushnyar indicated that these changes would offer a “better way” to manage tourist hotspots, as reported by local media outlet HRT.

The proposed regulations might be implemented as early as this summer. Split is a prominent destination for yacht party tourism, alongside locations like Dubrovnik and Makarska.

Split is also famous for hosting the Ultra Music Festival and featuring numerous beach bars. Interestingly, government statistics reveal that around 21.3 million tourists visited Croatia in 2024.

Last year, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, instituted a ban targeting organized nighttime bar hopping, in an effort to address issues stemming from inebriated tourists.

Complaints regarding noise and safety linked to the tourist activity of bar hopping have stirred discussions among local city councils. City Councilor Adam Zabranski, who proposed the Prague ban, remarked, “Unfortunately, cheap alcohol tourism is still very common in Prague.”

The guidelines there impose penalties of up to 100,000 crowns (approximately $4,300) on those organizing these pub crawls, with restrictions enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.