The City Council of Makarska adopted a decision on the restriction of alcohol sales in retail outlets from 21:00 to 06:00, making Makarska the first Croatian town with such a measure, N1 reports.
The restriction applies only to shops and other retail outlets within the town, while alcohol can still be served without restriction in hospitality venues. The local authorities justify the decision citing noise, inappropriate behaviour, increased waste and damage to the historic core during the summer months, linking these to the availability of alcohol in the late evening hours.
The legal basis is the amendment to the Trade Act, which allows local self-government units to regulate alcohol sales in the interest of public protection. "Our aim is not to ban for the sake of banning, but to preserve order, peace and a pleasant atmosphere in our town," said the mayor, Zoran Paunović, on the town's official website.
A similar decision is expected in Split, Zadar and Hvar. In Split, a public consultation on the draft decision, which would cover all forms of sales, is open until 27 July, with proposed fines of 2,000 to 39,810 euros. The measure is not planned for Supetar and Trogir, where, according to the mayors, family tourism prevails.
Small traders believe that they will bear the brunt. As most supermarkets and shopping centres close by 21:00, the ban affects kiosks, newsagents and small shops that are open late into the night.
"No one has contacted us, as if we do not exist. Traffic depends on this, in summer it is almost the only sale for them. If there is a ban, it must be a ban for everyone," said the secretary of the Association of Small Traders of the Split-Dalmatia County, Boris Listes, to N1, adding that those who wish to get drunk will simply buy drinks before 21:00.
