Although the City Council passed the decision on July 29, it has yet to take effect due to delays in publishing it in the Official Gazette. Councilor Jakov Prkić warns the measure could be in force for less than a month.
The decision to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages in Split, which was supposed to be a key tool for calming the situation in the city center during the tourist season, has stalled in administrative procedures. Although the City Council voted on it as early as July 29, 2026, it has not yet been published in the Official Gazette of the City of Split, a necessary prerequisite for it to take effect.
The delay was publicly highlighted by Split city councilor Jakov Prkić from the Direkt party, who criticized the city authorities and Mayor Tomislav Šuta for their slow implementation. "The decision was announced for a long time, and the Trade Act was even amended to allow it to be adopted. After all the mayor's media appearances about banning alcohol sales after 9 PM, one would have expected the decision to take effect as soon as possible. But that's not the case," Prkić said.
According to procedure, the decision takes effect on the eighth day after its publication in the official gazette. Given that 12 days have already passed since it was adopted at the City Council session, Prkić's calculations show that, even if the gazette were published immediately, the ban could not take effect before August 19, 2026.
The problem becomes even more pronounced when considering that the decision is designed as a seasonal measure and is valid only until September 15, 2026. This means that, if it takes effect in mid-August, the restriction on alcohol sales after 9 PM would be in force for less than a month.
Prkić believes the entire measure has thus lost its purpose. "Since the decision banning alcohol sales after 9 PM is valid until September 15, it will be in force for less than a month. There won't be much of an effect, and with this delay, it will be negligible," the councilor asserted.
The restriction was initially presented as a response to problems with public order and peace in the center of Split, particularly those related to excessive alcohol consumption at night. Given that the most intense part of the tourist season will be nearing its end when the measure finally takes effect, its actual reach is being called into question.
Prkić concluded his criticism of the city administration with an ironic message: "Let's all clap together so the applause can be heard better."
