Popular holiday hotspot introduces booze ban for tourists

We Brits love our booze on holiday but one travel hotspot has been forced into a tough decision regarding alcohol sales.

Sunny weather and cheap may sound like an ideal combination on paper but sadly some of us have a bit of a reputation of taking things too far while abroad.

Some cities in Spain have already taken steps to ban alcohol, or simply just preventing anyone who asks for dos beers from completing their purchase, but following 'unacceptable' scenes from intoxicated visitors, another city in Croatia has now followed suit.

Split, the vibrant and historic destination along the Dalmatia coast, is the second-largest city in Croatia and has become incredibly popular as a holiday option in recent years.

However, locals are understandably sick of the late-night actions of tourists and now the city's mayor, Tomislav Šuta, has confirmed that alcohol will no longer be sold after 8pm, becoming the first city in Croatia to do so.

"It is precisely here that situations arise that impair the safety and quality of life of tenants," Šuta explained.

We Brits don't have the best reputation abroad (Getty Stock)

Between 8pm and 6am, no alcohol will be sold in supermarkets or liquor stores, although visitors can still enjoy drinks in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants.

Darijo Šarić, CEO of luxury villa rental agency VIP Holiday Booker, reacted to the news and welcomed the ban, seeing the move as part of a broader rebranding of Croatian tourism:

"In previous years, Split may have leaned into a 'party destination' image, sometimes encouraging partying among visitors. However, Croatian tourism is now actively rebranding to move away from that reputation, focusing instead on our rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and family-friendly environment.

"You can still enjoy a drink after 8pm but the goal is simply to move drunken behaviour and alcohol consumption away from public streets and into appropriate venues. These measures are designed to encourage responsible drinking rather than to stop the fun.

These three would be in serious trouble given the various rules in Split (Getty Stock)

"Ultimately, it’s all about balance. Everyone wants visitors to Split to have an unforgettable experience, but we also don’t want residents to feel like the city is a 24-hour party zone. By drinking responsibly and respecting local customs, you help us keep Croatia a cherished, safe, and welcoming destination for everyone."

Of course, it's difficult to have an unforgettable experience if you're having one too many beers, and it feels like a natural step to ensure that things change for the better in the city centre.

This isn't the only measure that Brits need to be aware of when it comes to visiting Croatia however, as other mainstays of holidays such as public alcohol consumption and walking around shirtless or in swimming gear in the city centre can also land you with a hefty fine.