In recent years, many photos and videos have appeared in the local media and social networks showing heavily intoxicated tourists drinking in the streets, urinating in public places, making noise, and disturbing residents’ lives, mostly at night.
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On Friday, all 117 legislators present at the 151-seat assembly unanimously approved amendments to the trade law allowing cities and municipalities to restrict alcohol sales hours in stores to “protect public health, public order, cultural heritage, and the environment.”
This measure does not apply to bars or restaurants.
Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina said the aim is to improve the quality of life for local residents “who want to live in harmony with tourism, rather than having the entire city or area exist only because of tourism.”
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The mayor of Split, known for its abundance of drunk visitors, has already announced that the city will ban alcohol sales from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The goal is to “reduce drunkenness and antisocial behavior” in the city’s public spaces, especially in the historic center, said Mayor Tomislav Šuta.
Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević said the capital is considering such a possibility.
Tourism is the main driver of Croatia’s economy. This sector accounts for about 20 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Last year, nearly 22 million tourists visited Croatia, which has a population of 3.8 million.
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