Split Bans Late-Night Alcohol Sales

The city of Split, Croatia, is considering a new regulation that would prohibit the sale of alcohol from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. This proposed ban, announced by Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar, aims to safeguard public health, maintain order, and protect local heritage. While licensed establishments such as bars and restaurants would be exempt, the restriction targets late-night purchases by the general public. The measures are anticipated to be implemented as early as this summer. This initiative follows a similar move by Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, which recently banned organized nighttime pub crawls between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to address noise and safety concerns. Prague's ban includes fines of up to 100,000 koruna for organizers, reflecting a broader European trend towards managing the impact of tourism on local communities and public spaces. Croatia, a popular destination for yacht tourism and festivals, is seeking to balance its tourism industry with resident well-being.