Published on
February 20, 2026
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Croatia Set to Join Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Australia in Crackdown on Tourists with New Alcohol Regulations and Sales Restrictions as part of a global effort to curb the disruptive impact of late-night tourism. The coastal city of Split is proposing new alcohol sale restrictions aimed at reducing public disturbances caused by drunken tourists, particularly in areas crowded with nightclubs and bars. This move aligns Croatia with countries like Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Australia, all of which have introduced similar measures to manage the negative effects of overtourism, excessive street drinking, and antisocial behavior in their most popular tourist destinations. By limiting alcohol sales in certain areas during late-night hours, Croatia aims to create a safer, more sustainable environment for both locals and visitors alike.
In recent years, the issue of overtourism, public disturbances, and street drinking has become a growing concern for cities around the world. Many popular tourist destinations are now introducing stricter regulations to manage the behavior of visitors, particularly when it comes to late-night partying, excessive drinking, and the impact this has on local communities. Croatia, a beloved hotspot for travelers, is now stepping up to the plate, proposing new alcohol sale restrictions in its coastal city of Split. The initiative comes as part of a broader global trend in which countries like Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Australia are implementing similar measures to control the behavior of tourists. Here’s a closer look at how Croatia’s move aligns with international efforts to regulate tourism, particularly focusing on alcohol consumption and public behavior.
Croatia’s Bold Move: A Step Towards Responsible Tourism
Croatia has long been a top destination for tourists, with its scenic coastline, historic cities, and vibrant nightlife. However, like many popular tourist spots, the country has also witnessed the negative side effects of mass tourism. In particular, areas like Split have become known for their vibrant, but sometimes disruptive, nightlife scene. The city’s residents have expressed growing concerns about late-night disturbances caused by drunken tourists, particularly in areas surrounding clubs, bars, and all-night shops.
In response, the city council of Split has proposed a new set of restrictions that would significantly impact the sale of alcohol in certain areas. The planned measures, which are expected to come into effect as early as this summer, would impose a ban on the sale of alcohol between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. in areas with a high concentration of bars, clubs, and night shops. This would apply to grocery stores, liquor stores, and convenience shops, but licensed venues such as bars, clubs, and restaurants would remain unaffected. This means that tourists can still enjoy a drink in these establishments, but they won’t be able to buy alcohol from shops late at night.
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This decision comes as part of a broader trend seen in several other countries across Europe and beyond. The goal is simple: to reduce the negative effects of street drinking, late-night disturbances, and the general chaos caused by intoxicated tourists. As a result, Croatia is set to join countries like Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Australia, who have already introduced or are considering similar regulations.
Poland: Leading the Charge in Alcohol Sale Restrictions
Poland is one of the first countries to introduce comprehensive late-night alcohol sale restrictions in response to the rising concerns over public drinking and its impact on residents. In the country’s capital, Warsaw, the city government has implemented a ban on the sale of alcohol in shops and convenience stores in certain areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.. This regulation applies not only to supermarkets and liquor stores but also to gas stations that sell alcohol. However, the policy does not extend to licensed restaurants and bars, which can still serve alcohol as usual.
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This move is aimed at curbing the disruptive behavior that often comes with late-night drinking, especially in popular tourist spots. The city of Warsaw has witnessed an increase in public disturbances, littering, and alcohol-fueled fights in certain areas, particularly in the city center. By restricting alcohol sales after hours, Polish authorities hope to create a more pleasant environment for both locals and tourists alike.
Other Polish cities, including Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk, have followed Warsaw’s example by introducing similar measures in their own city centers. These restrictions are seen as an important step in managing the negative effects of overtourism and improving public safety.
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Spain: A Nationwide Effort to Tackle Public Drinking and Party Tourism
Spain, another European country that has seen the rise of party tourism, has also taken action to reduce public drinking and the associated disturbances. Cities like Ibiza, Mallorca, and Barcelona have long been known for their vibrant nightlife scenes, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, the downside to this influx of tourists has been the increasing levels of public drunkenness, street drinking, and rowdy behavior that disrupt local residents and damage the reputation of the destinations.
To address this issue, several cities in Spain have introduced restrictions on alcohol consumption in public spaces. In places like Ibiza, alcohol consumption in public areas is prohibited during certain hours, while Mallorca has implemented noise limits in areas with outdoor clubs and bars. Moreover, Barcelona has restricted alcohol sales in certain areas during the night, especially around popular nightlife zones.
These regulations are not only aimed at curbing public disorder but also at promoting responsible tourism. Spain, like other countries, is moving away from being a purely party-centric destination and is shifting towards a more sustainable tourism model that balances the needs of locals and tourists. While these regulations might limit the freedom of some visitors, they are ultimately designed to ensure that the local environment remains welcoming for everyone, including those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed travel experience.
Portugal: Tightening the Reins on Alcohol Sales in Tourist Areas
Portugal is yet another country following in the footsteps of Spain and Poland, taking active steps to regulate alcohol sales in its most visited cities. The city of Porto, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, has introduced a ban on alcohol sales from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. in certain parts of the city, particularly in areas where there are concentrations of nightclubs and bars. This measure has been implemented in response to growing concerns over street drinking, littering, and the disturbance caused by large groups of intoxicated tourists in the city center.
While the new regulations have been met with some resistance from local business owners, the city government has defended the measures as a necessary step to improve public order and ensure the safety of both tourists and residents. Like in Split, the restrictions do not apply to licensed venues such as bars and clubs, so tourists can still enjoy a drink in these spaces during the night. The hope is that by limiting alcohol sales in retail outlets, the city can reduce the negative side effects of street drinking without completely stifling the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Portugal’s efforts are a clear indication that even some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations are recognizing the need to regulate alcohol consumption in order to preserve the quality of life for locals while still catering to visitors’ desires for entertainment.
Australia: Lessons Learned from Sydney’s Lockout Laws
While Croatia, Spain, Poland, and Portugal are all focusing on regulating alcohol sales during late-night hours, Australia has taken a slightly different approach to curb alcohol-fueled chaos. In Sydney, the city government enacted a series of lockout laws in 2014 in an effort to reduce alcohol-related violence and public disorder in its popular nightlife precincts. These laws, which remained in effect until 2020, prohibited entry to bars and clubs after 1:30 a.m., effectively limiting the amount of time people could spend in these venues during the early morning hours.
In addition to the lockout laws, Sydney also introduced restrictions on alcohol sales after certain hours, aiming to reduce the risks associated with overconsumption of alcohol in late-night party districts. Though these laws were controversial and were eventually rolled back due to concerns from local businesses and the tourism industry, they served as an important experiment in managing late-night tourism and alcohol consumption.
Sydney’s lockout laws, combined with alcohol sale restrictions, offer an interesting case study for countries like Croatia, as they highlight the challenges of balancing vibrant nightlife with the need to ensure public safety and protect local communities. While the laws were unpopular among some, they undeniably played a role in reducing alcohol-fueled violence and creating a safer environment for residents and visitors.
Global Trends and the Future of Tourism Regulations
As more and more cities across the world introduce similar measures, it is clear that the tourism industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Authorities are increasingly recognizing the importance of responsible tourism, which involves not only providing a great experience for visitors but also ensuring that the local community can coexist peacefully with tourists.
The measures being taken by countries like Croatia, Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Australia are a response to the growing concerns of local residents who are tired of dealing with the negative effects of late-night partying. By introducing alcohol sale restrictions and public drinking bans, these countries hope to promote a more sustainable and respectful form of tourism that benefits everyone.
As Croatia looks to implement its new alcohol sale restrictions, it is clear that the country is following in the footsteps of other popular tourist destinations that have taken similar actions to regulate public behavior and curb alcohol-related disturbances. The goal is not to stifle the tourism industry but to encourage a more balanced approach that respects both the needs of tourists and the rights of local residents.
In the coming years, we are likely to see more cities and countries adopt similar measures as the global tourism landscape continues to evolve. Whether through limiting alcohol sales, banning public drinking, or imposing curfews on nightlife, the future of tourism seems to be shifting toward a more responsible and sustainable model. Only time will tell how these measures will impact tourist behaviour, but one thing is certain: the days of unregulated, late-night street drinking in popular tourist destinations may soon be a thing of the past.
Croatia Set to Join Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Australia in Crackdown on Tourists with New Alcohol Regulations and Sales Restrictions to address rising concerns over public disturbances caused by excessive drinking. Split’s new measures aim to reduce late-night chaos in popular tourist areas by limiting alcohol sales after hours.
As Split takes this important step, it’s clear that it’s not alone in its efforts. Croatia is just one of many countries joining a global movement to redefine the tourism experience, ensuring that everyone, locals and visitors alike, can enjoy the beauty and culture of these remarkable destinations without the disruption caused by excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior.
