September the 4th, 2026 – The continental Croatian city of Varaždin is set to become to first continental city to introduce a ban on the sale of alcohol in shops and kiosks after 22:00.
Varaždin will become the first continental city in Croatia to introduce a ban on the sale of alcohol in shops and at petrol stations after 22:00, but that isn’t the only ban. Net.hr reports that those who are caught consuming alcohol in public areas outside of the premises of bars, restaurants and cafes could also face penalties, regardless of when they purchased it.
Varaždin residents will no longer be able to get hold of alcohol so easily in the evening hours. Just as some coastal cities have already done earlier, Varaždin is introducing this new measure. “For the reason that our fellow citizens requested it. Constant disturbance of public order and peace, especially around petrol stations, particularly the one in Zrinski and Frankopan Street, daily complaints from people who nevertheless deserve to have peace and a night’s rest – these are the main reasons,” said Neven Bosilj, Mayor of Varaždin. In shops and at petrol stations, the sale of alcohol will not be allowed from 22:00 until 07:00.
the consumption of alcohol in public will also be banned
Drinking alcohol out in public anywhere outside of the premises of bars, cafes and restaurants will also be subject to a ban. Anyone caught by the police and municipal wardens will have to pay a fine of up to 260 euros for the offence. In the night-time hours, alcohol will still be able to be consumed legally only in restaurants, bars and cafes. Many owners of such establishments can now expect higher turnover because of the move.
Whether people are complying with the new rules will be controlled by the police and municipal wardens, of whom there are not enough, so the mayor has announced the following:
“We’re announcing a tender for new municipal wardens because the state has also transferred various powers, since they cannot find people for construction inspections, so they transfer certain jobs to units of local self-government. That’s why we’re strengthening it,” said Mayor Bosilj. After the public consultation is completed, the decision on the restricted sale will be voted on by the City Council, and it is expected to enter into force at the beginning of November this year.
