In a move to address the challenges posed by intoxicated tourists, the city of Split in Croatia is proposing significant restrictions on alcohol sales. According to reports from outlets like Fox News and Euronews, the proposed regulation would prohibit the sale of alcohol in shops and kiosks between the hours of 8 PM and 6 AM. However, this ban would not apply to bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, where alcohol sales would still be permitted. The authorities are considering implementing this measure as early as next summer.

The motivation behind this strict regulation is to mitigate disturbances caused by drunken tourists, which have increasingly affected the local community. Officials, including Croatian Commerce Minister Ante Šušnjar, emphasize that the new rules aim to safeguard the health of citizens, particularly children and youth, and to protect public order, environmental integrity, and cultural heritage. These concerns underline the balancing act that cities like Split must engage in as they accommodate tourism while maintaining a stable living environment for residents.

As Split is a favored travel destination, this proposed rule reflects an ongoing tension in many tourist-heavy locations worldwide, where local communities are striving to preserve their quality of life against the backdrop of rising tourist activity. If implemented, these regulations may set a precedent for other tourist destinations in Croatia and beyond, influencing how tourism is managed in a post-pandemic world where balancing public safety and economic interests becomes increasingly vital.