alcohol

ONE popular city in Croatia is preparing to ban the sale of alcohol after 8PM this summer.

The reason for the ban is to stop rowdy tourists from disturbing locals after exhibiting bad, drunken behaviour.

The mayor of Split, Tomislav Šuta, announced this week that a strict ban of the sale of alcohol at shops in the city centre could be put in place as soon as this summer.

A proposal has been submitted to the Trade and Hospitality Act, to regulate the working hours for the sale of alcohol at shops and liquor stores within the city.

The mayor said: “We are moving towards limiting nighttime work in accordance with the new law, with the aim of introducing order.

“The City of Split will participate in the discussion and public consultation so that we can reach a decision that is important for our residents by consensus.”

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There’s a high concentration of clubs, bars, and shops that are open all night in the city centre.

According to the mayor, the late night openings result in “situations” that “impair the safety and quality of life of tenants”.

He continued to say that the that scenes of drunken tourists in the heart of the city are unacceptable.

The mayor then added that extending the rules to other parts of Split has not been “ruled out” either.

The restrictions will apply to grocery and liquor shops between the hours of 8PM and 6AM, but not to clubs and restaurants.

So visitors can still enjoy drinks in licensed venues after 8PM.

Split is popular with Brits and is known for its high concentration of bars and clubs – it’s even been said to have some of the most diverse nightlife in Croatia.

Some of the most popular spots for drinking are around the Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva seafront promenade.

There are already bans on tourists drinking in public spaces within 100 metres of schools, kindergartens, and in the historic city centre – which can result in a fine of up to €300 (£261).

Other bans in Split that affect tourists include the ban on walking shirtless or in swimwear in places other than the beach.

If found sleeping in public places like parks and squares, there’s an on-the-spot fine between €150–€300 (£130 – £261).

There are other bans in Croatia in place. On Hvar, which is one of the country’s most famous “party islands”, there is a noise restriction.

During the summer, noise must be limited to 85 decibels – which is the equivalent of a food blender, a noisy restaurant or the cinema.

The hope is to make Hvar less of a party island and more attractive as a tourist destination for families.

Similarly, one of Europe’s prettiest cities is set to ban restaurants and bars from having outdoor tables.

For travelling this summer, here’s everything you need to know before you travel in 2026.

The new measure, proposed by Mayor Tomislav Šuta, will restrict some late-night alcohol sales in problematic parts of the city from 8pm to 6am starting this summer

A sun-soaked European city beloved by Brits is introducing a strict alcohol ban.

Split has become the first city in Croatia to ban the sale of alcohol in shops and liquor stores after 8pm, in a direct response to what the mayor describes as “unacceptable” scenes of intoxicated visitors in the historic centre.

The new measure, proposed by Mayor Tomislav Šuta, will restrict late-night alcohol sales in problematic parts of the city from 8pm to 6am starting this summer. The city centre, with its high concentration of clubs, bars, and all-night shops, has been singled out as a particular problem point.

“It is precisely here that situations arise that impair the safety and quality of life of tenants,” Šuta explained, adding that the possibility of extending the rules to other parts of Split has not been ruled out. The restrictions will apply to grocery stores and liquor shops, and not to clubs and restaurants, meaning visitors can still enjoy drinks in licensed venues after 8pm.

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Darijo Šarić, CEO of luxury villa rental agency VIP Holiday Booker, welcomed the ban, seeing the move as part of a broader rebranding of Croatian tourism:

“In previous years, Split may have leaned into a ‘party destination’ image, sometimes encouraging partying among visitors. However, Croatian tourism is now actively rebranding to move away from that reputation, focusing instead on our rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and family-friendly environment,” Šarić said.

“These measures are designed to encourage responsible drinking rather than to stop the fun.

“Ultimately, it’s all about balance. Everyone wants visitors to Split to have an unforgettable experience, but we also don’t want residents to feel like the city is a 24-hour party zone. By drinking responsibly and respecting local customs, you help us keep Croatia a cherished, safe, and welcoming destination for everyone.”

This isn’t the only recent attempt to curb the effects of overtourism and antisocial behaviour in Croatia.

Last year, Hvar – one of the country’s most famous “party islands” – voted to maintain strict summer noise restrictions, limiting noise to 85 decibels (the equivalent of a noisy restaurant), despite pushback from local businesses.

READ MORE: Beautiful Game of Thrones city brought back from the brink of ‘death by tourism’

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Milo Boyd

Split is not the only place in Croatia where locals are growing tired of tourists. Last year, the Mirror visited Dubrovnik, where work is currently underway to save the 1,400-year-old Old Town from becoming even more of an unbearable, sweaty mess than it was in the summer of 2017, when CNN condemned it as one of 12 global destinations to avoid.

Cruise ship numbers have been cut, and their arrivals have been staggered. Now, passengers must stay for eight hours, meaning the 600,000 who turned up last year spend more despite being 400,000 fewer than seven years ago.

Street vendor numbers in the Old Town are down 70%, while coach arrivals have been halved. Now a camera system counts visitors in and out of the Old Town. The “maximum comfortable limit” (according to a University of Dubrovnik study) of 11,297 a day is 800 higher than last year’s busiest day.

The FCDO has issued a new travel alert for Brits before the ban starts on February 7

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released fresh guidance for Brits planning trips to a much-loved holiday hotspot this week. In Wednesday’s update, the FCDO has warned UK travellers about nationwide restrictions in Thailand.

A firm favourite with sun-seekers and backpackers alike, the Southeast Asian nation is preparing for its General Election later this week. While tourists might not anticipate any disruption, those fancying an alcoholic beverage could be in for a shock.

The FCDO stated: “Thailand will hold a General Election on 8 February 2026. A nationwide ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol will be in place from 6pm on 7 February until 6pm on 8 February.

“During this period public consumption of alcohol is prohibited, including at social gatherings. The restrictions apply to convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, both public and private. If you do not comply with these restrictions, you could face fines of up to 10,000 baht (around £230) and up to six months’ imprisonment.”

Regions to steer clear of

The FCDO is also recommending against all but essential travel to several parts of Thailand, particularly border regions. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas in the south near the Thailand-Malaysia border, including Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province, and the districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province.

The FCDO has issued guidance recommending against all but essential journeys on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar railway route which passes through these regions. This warning stems from frequent attacks occurring in provinces along the Malaysian frontier. Additionally, travellers should avoid venturing within 20km of Thailand’s land border with Cambodia.

According to the FCDO: “In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in early December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended.

“Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are closed. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. We advise against all travel to the affected land border areas.”

The FCDO has also issued a stark reminder to British tourists about attempting to take cannabis outside Thailand’s borders, stating: “British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand. There have been arrests of British nationals caught transiting through airports in other countries. Many international airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which may be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.”

Ray J is under doctor’s orders to stay on bed rest, take all his prescribed medications and avoid drinking alcohol or smoking because of his damaged heart.

The R&B singer, who revealed this week that his heart is pumping at far below capacity because of damage from his heavy use of alcohol and other substances, shared those directives with TMZ in an interview published Thursday. Doctors told him he likely has only months to live, with the former “Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood” star predicting that he would die by 2027.

Doctors told Ray J — real name William Ray Norwood Jr. — that he should prepare for the chance that he might need a pacemaker or defibrillator soon, the singer told the celebrity site. He expects to get an update when he goes back in two weeks for a check-up.

The brother of actor-singer Brandy said that if he manages to survive his current health crisis, he expects to emerge a “stronger and a better person.”

Ray J told followers in a video posted Sunday that he wanted to “thank everyone for praying for me.”

“I was in the hospital,” he said. “My heart is only beating like 25%, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, then everything will be all right.”

He said elsewhere that his heart was beating at 60%. The number likely refers to Ray J’s heart’s ejection fraction, which measures the volume of blood coming out of the heart’s left ventricle or being drawn into the right ventricle when the heart beats. Right-sided heart failure is far less common, according to WebMD.

The man who was with Kim Kardashian in her career-launching sex tape said in other video livestreams that the right side of his heart was “black. It’s like done.”

“I thought I could handle all the alcohol, I could handle all the Adderall,” he said. Now, he told TMZ, he’s been taking eight different drugs, including Lipitor, Jardiance and Entresto, and physicians’ warnings for him to avoid smoking and drinking are a challenge.

Doctors have told him he has only months to live, Ray J said in his recent livestreams, and he believes he won’t last past this calendar year.

He is 45.

Ray J says his days are numbered — and the number he’s citing is 2027.

“Just almost died!! I’m alive because of your prayers and support!!” the singer wrote in an Instagram caption posted Sunday.

“I wanna thank everyone for praying for me. I was in the hospital,” he said in the accompanying video. “My heart is only beating like 25%, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, then everything will be all right, so thank you for all your prayers.”

It was a different story in another livestream, however, captured in clips on the @Livebitez Instagram page.

“2027 is definitely a wrap for me,” the 45-year-old, real name William Ray Norwood Jr., said in one video posted Tuesday, making a “cut off” motion across his neck.

“No, don’t say that, brother,” a friend says off camera.

“That’s what the doctor says,” Ray J replied meekly, then seemingly grew frustrated as his friend talked loudly over him and insisted he was going to live long enough to see his children’s children.

In the next clip, the singer says, “It don’t matter if my days are counted. But guess what — my baby mama gonna be straight. My kids are gonna be straight. If they want to spend all the money they can spend it, but I did my part here.”

Then he looks up and tells his friend, “I shouldn’t have went this hard, bro. I shouldn’t have went hard. And then, when it’s all done, burn me, don’t bury me.”

In clips assembled on the next Livebitez post, Ray J admits heavy alcohol and drug use and says that messed up his heart “on the right side, here, it’s like, black. It’s like done.” He said he might go to Haiti to “do some voodoo” because he thinks “they got the cure.”

He also said he thought he was “bigger” and “had more weight” to put up against the onslaught of substances. “I thought I could handle all the alcohol, I could handle all the Adderall.”

Cut to the next clip where he says he thought he “could handle all the drugs, but I couldn’t. … And it curbed my time here.”

In a final collection of clips, Ray J mentions the criminal protective order put in place by the court after a run-in with the law in November. .

Ray J was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of making criminal threats, an LAPD spokesman told The Times in late November. The singer allegedly pointed a gun at ex-wife Princess Love during a heated argument that happened during a livestream at Thanksgiving.

Because of the protective order related to that incident, he isn’t allowed to see her or their kids, Melody, 7, and Epik, who turned 6 last month. He said in court documents reviewed by Page Six that he pointed the gun at her to keep her from driving the kids away from his house after a drunken family holiday.

In the final batch of clips, he says his parents were picking him up “tomorrow” for a doctor appointment. He mentions that sister Brandy had paid his bills “for the rest of the year. That’s crazy.”

Despite the singer-actor picking up his tab, Ray J says his kids have “at least $10 million” in their trust fund account.

The R&B singer was hospitalized in early January in Las Vegas, sidelined by heart pain and pneumonia, according to TMZ. Four years ago, he battled pneumonia as well.