Inspectorate Claims Noise Issue Resolved, Islanders Still Hear It at the Cinema
While DIRH insists Carpe Diem has complied with the ruling, Hvar residents testify that music from parties in Stipanska still drowns out open-air film screenings.
While DIRH insists Carpe Diem has complied with the ruling, Hvar residents testify that music from parties in Stipanska still drowns out open-air film screenings.
While the State Inspectorate of the Republic of Croatia (DIRH) claims that administrative measures have been taken and that the catering facility Carpe Diem has complied with the ruling, islanders on Hvar continue to complain about the unbearable noise coming from Stipanska. The problem has escalated to the point where party noise disrupted a film screening at the open-air cinema at Venjeranda.
According to spatial plans, the Stipanska area is treated as Zone 1, a protected quiet area, i.e., a significant landscape. Accordingly, the permitted outdoor noise levels are 50 dB(A) during the day, 45 dB(A) in the evening, and 40 dB(A) at night. However, residents testify to "heavy party moments" that can be heard even in Hvar Town.
DIRH confirmed that the tourism inspection did not conduct any inspections of the catering facility in 2026. However, the sanitary inspection of the State Inspectorate conducted several inspections of the entity in question.
"The latest inspection found deficiencies in terms of the provisions of the Noise Protection Act, and administrative measures were taken to eliminate the deficiencies until noise protection measures are implemented. A check on the implementation of the ordered measures found that the party has complied with the ruling."
Marijan Kurtović, Chief Nature Warden of the public institution "More i krš," reminded of the legal regulations: "Article 16 (Official Gazette 153/13, 114/18, 14/21) of the Noise Protection Act stipulates that inspection supervision over the application of the Act is carried out by sanitary inspectors of the State Inspectorate."
Despite official claims, on-the-ground experiences are different. One island woman recounted that last night several people reported Carpe Diem to the police.
"Last night, several of us reported Carpe Diem in Stipanska to the police. It was thumping again. I was at the cinema at Venjeranda, and it was so loud it interfered with the film screening."
The conflict between the official version and everyday reality raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight while the music, according to residents' testimonies, continues to blare.
