Split Proposes Overnight Alcohol Sales Ban to Improve Public Safety

Mayor Tomislav Šuta announced on Saturday that the City of Split plans to introduce a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. in an effort to improve public safety and maintain public order.

Šuta said the measure would be enabled through amendments to Croatia's Trade Act, following an initiative submitted by the City of Split. The proposed legal changes are expected to be debated in the Croatian Parliament next week.

Under the proposal, local governments across Croatia would be given the authority to decide whether to impose restrictions on nighttime alcohol sales within their communities. According to Šuta, the City of Split would first launch a public consultation process before adopting any final decision through the City Council.

The mayor said the restrictions are intended to improve the quality of life in residential neighborhoods and address security concerns linked to late-night alcohol consumption. He described the proposal as a major step forward for Split and suggested that other Croatian cities could introduce similar measures.

Šuta also highlighted the increasing number of liquor stores in Split's historic city center in recent years, calling the trend inappropriate for the area.

He welcomed the support of the Croatian Government and the Ministry of Economy for the proposed legislative amendments regulating alcohol sales.