July the 16th, 2026 – Makarska is the first Croatian city to introduce a late-night alcohol sales ban, but residents are divided over what results it might have on tourism.
As Index reports, the recent decision from Makarska to become the first Croatian city to restrict late-night alcohol sales has sparked a lively debate among residents. Some have been outwardly praising the move as a necessary step towards improving quality of life, while others fear it could hurt tourism and local businesses.
The new regulation, adopted by the City Council this week, prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages in retail outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, kiosks and bakeries, between 21:00 and 06:00. The restrictions don’t apply to bars, cafés or restaurants, which may continue serving alcohol during their normal operating hours with no change to the rules.
City officials say the measure is designed to curb late-night street drinking, excessive noise, littering and vandalism, issues that have become increasingly common during the height of the tourist season. Mayor Zoran Paunović has stressed that the aim is not to discourage tourism, but to create a cleaner and more pleasant environment for both residents and visitors.
It seems that among Makarska residents, however, not everyone is convinced and opinion is divided depending on who (and where) you ask.
Some Makarska residents argue the restrictions send out the totally wrong message at a time when the town depends very heavily on tourism. Business owners and locals interviewed following the decision questioned whether limiting alcohol sales would simply inconvenience responsible visitors while doing little to tackle disruptive behaviour.
“We live off tourism,” several residents told local media, expressing concern that additional restrictions could make the destination less attractive compared with competing Mediterranean resorts. Others questioned why responsible tourists should face limitations because of the actions of a small minority of less trustworthy visitors, arguing that stronger enforcement against antisocial behaviour would be more effective than restricting retail sales.
Supporters of the measure, however, believe the city has little choice. Over more recent years, Croatian coastal destinations have faced growing complaints about drunken and disorderly behaviour in public spaces, particularly in historic centres and beachfront areas. Local authorities argue that easy access to cheap alcohol from shops has fuelled street parties that generate noise, rubbish and damage to public spaces long after bars have closed.
Makarska’s decision has already attracted national attention because it is the first municipality to use powers granted under amendments to Croatia’s Trade Act, passed earlier this year. The legislation allows cities and municipalities to regulate alcohol sales in retail outlets if they believe restrictions are necessary to protect public order, public health and the local environment.
Other tourist destinations are watching closely. Split, Zadar and Hvar have all indicated they are considering introducing similar seasonal restrictions as they look for ways to balance a thriving tourism industry with the quality of life of local residents.
Whether Makarska’s pioneering approach becomes a model for the rest of Croatia will likely depend on the results of this summer season. For now, the town has become the testing ground for one of the country’s biggest tourism policy changes in recent years, one that has clearly divided public opinion.
