June the 28th, 2026 – As the City of Split mulls the idea of totally banning nighttime alcohol sales, it has come to light that these new rules could come into force as early as this very summer.
Split has had to face issues with drunkenness and disorderly behaviour for many years now. Each and every summer, tourists from across the globe descend on Dalmatia’s so-called capital and engage in alcohol-fuelled antics that tar the entire place with the wrong brush.
It has been reported that the city has now launched a public consultation on a proposal that would entirely ban the sale of alcohol in shops during nighttime hours for the duration of the summer season. The measure would apply from June the 1st to September the 15th, with alcohol sales in retail stores prohibited between 21:00 and 06:00.
The proposed restriction would cover shops, supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount stores, petrol stations, kiosks, markets, vending machines, mobile sales and temporary sales at fairs or events. It wouldn’t close these businesses down or prevent them from trading, it would merely stop them from selling alcoholic drinks during the aforementioned totally restricted hours.
The city says the goal is to improve public order, safety and residents’ quality of life, especially in the historic centre around Diocletian’s Palace and nearby areas, where nightlife and large numbers of visitors create pressure during the main summer tourist season.
The proposal is part of wider efforts to regulate nightlife and alcohol availability. Licensed venues such as bars and restaurants would not be affected by the shop-sales restriction.
The public consultation runs from June the 26th to July the 27th, after which the city council would consider the final decision. Possible fines for violations would follow Croatia’s Trade Act rules, with penalties varying by type of seller.
Obviously, June the 1st is now long gone for this summer, but September remains a while away and it is yet to be seen whether or not these rules will come into force as we head into the peak two summer months for Croatia.
