June the 29th, 2023 – Split tourists are known for their unruly behaviour. The apparently toxic combination of sunshine, alcohol and too much free time appears to be an escalating issue. Harsher penalties and more police are now a reality.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, Split has introduced much more concrete penalties for tourists who think that they can behave like animals after arriving in the largest city on the Dalmatian coast. Along with a heightened police presence, their behaviour is now also going to be monitored by security guards.
HRT checked whether, for example, fines of 300 euros for urinating in a public place have produced results and whether the residents of the centre of Split can breathe a sigh of relief going forward.
Problems with Split tourists have escalated
“This is a proverbial firefighting measure, and it’s a necessary one. It’s high time we introduce this because the problems we’ve been having in the city have really escalated this season,” said Split-based tourist guide Leo Nikolic.
Even those with deeper pockets know when they’re being ripped off
On the other hand, he also confirmed that Split tourists increasingly perceive Croatia, or at least Dalmatia, as an overpriced destination: “They know when they’re being robbed. An American with deep pockets has no problem in recognising when he pays 4.5 euros for a basic carbonated water. It’s a ripoff and that product simply can’t cost that much. These are people who know and watch every single dollar they spend,” he added.
The cleaning staff think that Split tourists have gone too far and warn that the city centre and the waterfront (riva) are full of rubbish first thing in the morning. They claim that more and more such trash appears every day.
Harsh monetary penalties from now on
In response to a clearly spiralling situation, the City of Split has decided to fine individuals 300 euros for: the consumption of alcohol on public surfaces (areas less than 100 metres from schools and kindergartens, within zone A, which includes the area of the city within the baroque ramparts built in the 17th century); defecating or urinating on public surfaces, sleeping in parks/public lawns, squares and other public surfaces; the consumption of food or drink on public surfaces, remaining in catering and hospitality establishments after the end of working hours.
Other fines for 2023
Climbing and sitting on monuments and plaques will also see unruly Split tourists fined in the amount of 300 euros. Getting into, climbing and/or bathing in fountains and offering and contracting a taxi service that isn’t prearranged will also see your wallet take a hit. A fine of 150 euros will be imposed for vomiting in public areas, although this one can hardly be helped in the case of too much ice cream and a touch of sun stroke. One move many residents of Split will be grateful for is that the city is coming down very hard on construction and installation work from 14:00 to 17:00 and from 22:00 to 07:00. Fines will also be issued to those causing noise pollution.
