Makarska has become the first city in Croatia to restrict alcohol sales in shops, HINA reported. On Tuesday, the City Council passed a decision stating that alcoholic beverages from 21:00 until 06:00 will not be sold anywhere within the city limits.
The restriction applies to shops, bakeries, newsagents, and other retail outlets, while their operating hours remain unchanged. Hospitality venues are exempt from the measure.
City officials note that during the summer, particularly in the old town centre and on the city beach, Makarska faces mass gatherings on public spaces. These are accompanied by noise, inappropriate behaviour, increased waste, and damage to the historic core. The problem, they believe, is directly linked to the availability of alcohol in the late-night hours. The decision, they add, was made to protect public health, order and peace, cultural heritage, and the environment.
"Our aim is not to ban for the sake of banning, but to preserve order, peace, and a pleasant atmosphere in our city, for both our citizens and guests," said Mayor Zoran Paunović. He expressed his satisfaction that Makarska is becoming a leader in Croatia in this regard.
The legal basis for the decision is recent amendments to the Trade Act. These allow local self-government units to restrict alcohol sales within their jurisdiction if they deem it necessary for the public interest.
The city will submit the decision to the State Inspectorate within 15 days, whose inspectors will monitor its implementation.
Similar moves have already been announced by Split and Zadar, suggesting that other tourist towns along the coast may soon follow Makarska's model of restricting night-time alcohol sales.
