Hvar Bans Alcohol Sales from 9 PM to 6 AM
The City Council of Hvar unanimously adopted a decision to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages, aiming to protect public order, peace, and cultural heritage.
The City Council of Hvar unanimously adopted a decision to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages, aiming to protect public order, peace, and cultural heritage.
At the 13th session of the City Council of Hvar, held on Monday, August 10, 2026, a new decision was unanimously adopted that will significantly change nightlife on the island. According to this decision, all retail outlets in the area of the City of Hvar are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages and any other drinks containing alcohol from 9 PM to 6 AM the following morning.
The City of Hvar cited several key reasons for implementing this measure in its announcement. The main goals highlighted include protecting public health, public order and peace, as well as safeguarding cultural heritage and the environment. The City particularly warned about issues that intensify during the tourist season, especially in the late evening and nighttime hours.
They noted that increased availability of alcohol in shops can encourage mass gatherings in public spaces, leading to disturbances of public order and peace, noise, and inappropriate behavior. Additional issues mentioned include littering of public areas with packaging and other waste, as well as increased pressure on the historic city center and other areas of special value to the City of Hvar.
It is important to note that the new decision does not regulate the general operating hours of retail outlets, nor does it restrict the sale of any products other than alcohol. Stores will still be able to operate according to their usual hours, but shelves containing alcoholic beverages must be inaccessible to customers during the specified period.
The decision will take effect on the eighth day after its publication in the "Official Gazette of the City of Hvar." Oversight of its implementation will be carried out by the competent inspectors of the State Inspectorate, who will conduct checks in accordance with the Trade Act.
