Popular Vacation Destination To Enforce New Ban Rule On American Tourists After 8PM
One of Europe's popular vacation destinations has announced a new ban that will be enforced on all visitors, including American tourists, starting this summer. Split, the largest city in Croatia's Dalmatia region, sits on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Announced this week by Spit's mayor, Tomislav Šuta, the new rule will prohibit alcohol sales in supermarkets, liquor stores, and other shops in designated areas of the city between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. This measure is a direct response to ongoing issues in touristy areas around the city center regarding drunken behavior, particularly among foreign visitors—Americans included. Split’s most recent alcohol ban isn’t the first restriction of its kind in the city, but instead represents a tightening of the reins that creates stricter limits in support of the local laws already in place. Americans planning a trip to Split should brush up on these rules so they know how to imbibe in peace while traveling abroad in this increasingly trending destination.
What Split's New Alcohol Ban Means For American Tourists This Summer
Aerial view of Split, Croatia. Cityscape of coastal touristic city with harbor with mountains in background. Old town with historical red roof tiled buildings near Adriatic SeaCredit: Shutterstock
Split’s new ban on alcohol sales is carefully targeted at problem areas in the city in an attempt to control what the mayor describes as “unacceptable” scenes of public intoxication. It does not rule out all drinking altogether, but rather contains it. In particular, the city center has been highlighted as a problematic spot for drunkenness among tourists due to its abundance of clubs, bars, and all-night shops.
All-night shops are popular around Split's center, providing alcohol for public consumption on the streets. "It is precisely here that situations arise that impair the safety and quality of life of tenants," Mayor Šuta explained. A statement issued by the Split government explains the limits clearly.
"The restrictions will apply to grocery stores and liquor shops, but not to clubs and restaurants, meaning visitors can still enjoy drinks in licensed venues after 8 PM," Split's government stated.
In short, for American visitors (and all tourists, for that matter), the new alcohol rules mean they won't be allowed to buy such beverages in the evenings from stores. But they'll still be able to purchase and consume drinks at licensed restaurants and clubs. Locals and stakeholders have since welcomed the rule change.
"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," said Darijo Šarić, CEO of luxury villa rental agency VIP Holiday Booker.
"These measures are designed to encourage responsible drinking rather than to stop the fun," Šarić added, and explained that the ban isn't to kill tourists' fun but instead to encourage responsible drinking and keep residents (and everyone else) safe.
"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."
However, this restriction isn't new to the city; officials enforced similar drinking rules in the past regarding alcohol and where it can be consumed, which, naturally, impacts tourists.
Split's New Alcohol Ban Isn't The First To Be Implemented In The City
Split, CroatiaCredit: via Shutterstock
Travelers who are familiar with the fine print of Split’s local laws might realize that this type of restriction isn’t entirely unheard of. Split already prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public spaces outside bars and restaurants in certain parts of the city. In 2023, the Split City Council adopted a Public Order Act that introduced fines for consuming alcohol in public places in Split's Old Town. This UNESCO-protected World Heritage site previously encountered problems with tourists popping out of bars and restaurants with drinks in hand and causing a disturbance. The 2023 act pushed tourists toward Matejuška Pier, an area that was already popular for drinking and socializing. This latest restriction will add further boundaries to public drinking, encouraging visitors to remain inside licensed establishments and avoid carousing on the streets.
Street in Split Old Town, CroatiaCredit: Shutterstock
Though the new alcohol ban rule is currently focused on Split’s city center, Mayor Šuta has not ruled out the possibility of extending it to other parts of Split.
Croatia Is Increasingly A Popular Vacation Destination For American Travelers
A busy street in Split, CroatiaCredit: Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay
Croatia, home to a number of iconic landmarks, including Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the Peristyle square, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Riva waterfront, has experienced growing popularity among U.S. tourists in recent years. In 2025, Croatia received two mentions in the American Travvy Awards. Croatia took the bronze award for best destination in the Mediterranean and bronze for the best cruise destination in Europe. Accordingly, American travelers flocked to Croatia the same year. Between January and June 2025, Americans logged almost 690,000 overnights in Croatia, representing a 17% increase over the previous year.
“It is significant and encouraging that we’ve managed to maintain a strong interest from the American market,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board.
Split-Dalmatia County is the second most popular destination in Croatia for travelers from around the globe. The county logged 20.9 million total overnight stays in 2025 and received 21.4% of foreign cruise vessels.
Furthermore, the increase in American tourism has prompted U.S. airlines to act; United Airlines will launch a new nonstop route to Split on April 30, just in time for the start of the tourist season. American Airlines was also rumored to launch a new service to the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, best-known among Americans as an iconic filming location for HBO's Game of Thrones TV series, situated around 143 miles from Split.
Croatian city of Split with the Diocletian palaceCredit: via Shutterstock
For American travelers, June was the most popular time to visit Croatia in 2025. If that trend holds steady, Americans will be flocking to the country around the time these new alcohol restrictions are implemented.
The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Croatia is set at "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" warning. However, the advisory was updated last year with a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" notice for Lika-Senj and Karlovac counties due to landmine warnings.
Ultimately, rather than view the updated alcohol restrictions as a burden, travelers may see the changes as positive. The plan is aimed at creating a calmer, safer, and more enjoyable atmosphere for residents and guests alike.
Diocletian's Palace in Split city, CroatiaCredit: via Shutterstock
When tourists know how to handle the new rules, they can still drink responsibly in appropriate establishments within Split or even purchase their own libations earlier in the day to enjoy in their accommodations. A few wise precautions can keep visitors in line with the regulations while still allowing ample room for enjoyment on their vacation.
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