Novalja Joins Croatia’s Tourism Crackdown: New Alcohol Sales Ban to Protect Local Life This Summer

For years, Novalja has lived a double life. By day, it is a picturesque Mediterranean town known for its world-class sheep’s milk cheese (Paški sir) and intricate lace. By night, it has often transformed into a staging ground for the thousands of festival-goers heading to the nearby open-air clubs of Zrće Beach.

However, the “Mediterranean as it once was” is making a comeback. The Novalja City Council recently finalized a strategic ordinance that prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages in shops and kiosks between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM during the summer months.

The Strategy Behind the Ban

The primary goal isn’t to stop the party, but to move it off the streets. By cutting off the supply of “cheap” retail alcohol late at night, officials hope to eliminate the practice of “pre-drinking” in public squares and residential alleys.

“We are sending a clear message that the tolerance for rowdy behavior has reached its limit,” local officials stated. The crackdown is a direct response to years of complaints regarding excessive noise, littering, and public intoxication that have alienated long-term residents and higher-spending demographic groups.

A Growing Trend Across the Adriatic

Novalja is not an outlier. It is part of a coordinated “Renaissance” of Croatian tourism that prioritizes the quality of life for its citizens.

• Split: Has already implemented a ban on retail alcohol sales after 8:00 PM in its UNESCO-listed historic core.
• Hvar: Has stood firm on noise limits, capping outdoor music at 85 decibels—comparable to a busy restaurant.
• Dubrovnik: Is moving toward advance bookings for its city walls and auditing rental permits to prevent the Old Town from becoming a hollowed-out tourist museum.

What This Means for Your Summer 2026 Trip

If you are planning a trip to the island of Pag this year, here is how the new regulations will practically impact your stay:

1. Licensed Venues Are Exempt: You can still enjoy a cocktail at a beachfront bar or a glass of local wine at a restaurant. The ban only applies to retail outlets like supermarkets and convenience stores.
2. Public Decency Fines: Expect stricter enforcement regarding “anti-social behavior.” Walking shirtless in the town center or sleeping on public benches could result in hefty fines, similar to the €300 penalties seen in Split.
3. Active & Cultural Tourism: The town is pivoting its marketing toward active holidays. Visitors are encouraged to explore the island’s unique lunar-like cycling trails and artisanal food tours rather than focusing solely on nightlife.

Humanizing the Impact: A Resident’s Perspective

For the locals of Novalja, this isn’t about being “anti-tourist.” It’s about balance. For a decade, many families moved away during the summer months to escape the 24-hour chaos. This legislation is an attempt to make the town livable again for the people who call it home year-round. It’s an invitation for tourists to be “guests” rather than “invaders”—to respect the heritage of the island while still enjoying its vibrant energy.

Planning Your Visit

The island of Pag remains one of the most visually stunning locations in Europe. To ensure a smooth trip:

• Stock up early: If you want a bottle of wine for your terrace, buy it before 10:00 PM.
• Stay Informed: Follow local tourism board updates for specific “risk zones” where public drinking is prohibited entirely.
• Embrace the Culture: Spend an evening at a local konoba (tavern) instead of drinking on a public pier.

The post Novalja Joins Croatia’s Tourism Crackdown: New Alcohol Sales Ban to Protect Local Life This Summer appeared first on Travel And Tour World.