October the 18th, 2023 – The City of Split finally put its foot down this summer in regard to issuing fines for public alcohol consumption, being dressed inappropriately and more. Pula, a popular Istrian coastal city, is now considering doing the same.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, even though the idea is currently only at the public consultation phase, the proposal for the Decision on the Order on the Maritime Domain of the City of Pula caused fierce political reactions.
While some believe that this will encourage solely proper regulations that would bring about more of a sense of order, the Mozemo!/We Can! party believe that the proposed decision is proof that Pula has a very conservative city government. They have stated that they believe that said government “wants to change the usual way of life in an environment that has always been progressive in Croatia” and that the mayor of Pula, Filip Zoričić, is attempting to police morals.
Beaches would big farewell to alcohol in Pula
According to the proposed Decision, the consumption of alcoholic beverages would become prohibited in Pula on both natural and arranged beaches, as well as on other parts of what is considered maritime domain. This will be in force except “when these areas are being used as a terrace for the provision of catering/hospitality services based on the approval of the competent authority”.
“All of us who live by the sea know that these proposed decisions are excessive. Everyone who is familiar with Pula knows that there are very few properly arranged natural beaches here. Many of our beaches lie a considerable distance from each other. To prevent people from drinking their drinks on them or sunbathing topless, where almost nobody can even see them, is utterly absurd,” believes Dušica Radojčić, a representative of Mozemo!, who is also in the Pula City Council.
“I want to preserve and promote Pula’s identity”
“It’s my duty to be open to everyone, and in the public space, for as long as I remain Pula’s mayor, we’re going to promote and preserve the identity of civic, European and Mediterranean Pula, with all its rich multicultural and multi-ethnic values”, stated Mayor Zoričić previously.
Regarding the attacks he’s now facing, primarily from Mozemo!, and concerning the proposal for the Decision on the Order of the Maritime Domain, Zoričić stated that this is something that is currently in the phase of public consultation only. He added that all those who have concerns know very well that they can make their own suggestions on everything proposed. He added that other cities along the coast, such as Makarska, Vodice, Split and so on, have made similar moves recently.
Nothing to do with being conservative, claims the mayor
“Every summer, we end up with tonnes and tonnes of garbage and broken beer bottles left on the beaches, and that, for example, was the reason why we proposed a ban on alcohol. Nobody is going to be punishing anyone for sunbathing and drinking a beer, but getting drunk and acting in an inappropriate manner on the beaches at night simply cannot be allowed,” said Zoričić, who concluded that the proposal has nothing to do with a conservative way of running the city, which is what he is being accused of by Mozemo!.
