Croatia is moving ahead with legislative reforms that would allow local governments to regulate night-time alcohol sales between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., replacing a uniform national approach, while also amending the Crafts Act to enable self-employed artisans to continue running their businesses after retirement through transitional management solutions.
Proposed Legal Changes on Night Alcohol Sales
The Croatian government is preparing amendments to the Trade Act and the Crafts Act that include proposals to give local authorities the power to regulate the sale of alcohol at night. Under the new framework, municipalities and cities would be able to decide whether shops can sell alcoholic drinks between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., potentially banning such sales in their jurisdictions when needed.
According to Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar, the aim of this proposal is to protect public health, especially for children and youth, preserve public order and peace, and safeguard the environment and cultural heritage. He emphasized that local governments should be responsible for setting specific rules on night alcohol sales because of their closer connection to local needs.
Business and Entrepreneurial Rights Changes
The proposed amendments also include significant changes to the Crafts Act that will affect self-employed business owners (craftsmen). Under the current law, craftsmen often must close their business when they retire. The new proposal would allow them to continue operating even after entering retirement, rather than having to shut down their trades.
To support this, the government plans to introduce the role of a temporary manager, enabling a business to keep running after the owner retires or dies, without immediately requiring new professional qualifications. This transitional period is meant to give successors time to gain the necessary credentials while avoiding closure of the business.
Government Rationale and Local Autonomy
Minister Šušnjar reiterated that giving local authorities authority over alcohol sales hours will help communities tailor decisions to their specific needs. The changes are grounded in the belief that cities and municipalities are better placed to judge whether night alcohol sales affect quality of life, tourism management, or safety in their areas.
He also stated that the overall legislative proposal would reduce administrative burdens for craftsmen by lowering certain contributions and streamlining procedures, in addition to allowing older entrepreneurs to remain active in business longer.
