Makarska was the first in Croatia to introduce a restriction on the sale of alcohol in stores!

​According to the city administration, the decision restricts the sale of alcohol in the entire city area from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day in stores and other sales facilities​, bakeries, tobacco shops and the like. The working hours of sales facilities remain unchanged, and the restriction does not apply to catering facilities.

​ The City notes that during the summer months, Makarska, especially in the old city center and in the area of ​​the city beach, faces mass gatherings on public areas that are often accompanied by noise, inappropriate behavior, the creation of large amounts of waste and the devastation of the historic core. As they say, the City of ​ with this measure responds to a problem directly related to the availability of alcohol late at night and assumes a more responsible attitude towards the management of public space.

“The decision is aimed at establishing a balance between the quality of life of the inhabitants, the interests of the economy, the needs of visitors and the preservation of the cultural heritage and identity of the city, in accordance with the strategic determination of Makarska for development that is sustainable and in the service of the citizens”, they said.​

It was adopted, he said, in the interest of protecting public health, order and peace, as well as cultural heritage and the environment, and the legal basis for its adoption is the amendments to the Law on Trade, which enable local self-government units to regulate this issue in their area if they judge that such a measure is necessary to protect the public interest​.

“With this decision, Makarska takes responsibility for the quality management of its space and tourism,” said the mayor of Makarska, Zoran Paunovi.

He emphasizes that the measure applies exclusively to the sale of alcohol in stores and other sales establishments, and not to catering establishments.

“Our goal is not a ban for the sake of a ban, but the preservation of order, peace and a pleasant atmosphere in our city, both for our fellow citizens and for guests. We want Makarska to remain a pleasant and sustainable place to live and stay, and I am glad that we are becoming a leader in this regard at the Croatian level,” said Paunovi.

Supervision over the implementation of the decision will be carried out by inspectors of the State Inspectorate, to whom the City will submit the decision within the legal term of 15 days from its adoption.

A similar move was announced by other Croatian cities, Split and Zadar