Croatia passes law allowing local authorities to restrict alcohol sales hours

ZAGREB, 30 May 2026 (Hina) – Croatia’s Parliament has adopted amendments to the Trade Act that will allow local authorities to regulate the hours during which alcohol can be sold in shops and strengthen restrictions on sales to minors.

The amendments were approved unanimously on Friday.

Under the new rules, municipalities and cities will be able to decide, through their representative bodies, when retailers in their area may sell alcoholic beverages. The measure is intended to support the protection of public health, public order, cultural heritage and the environment.

The legislation also introduces stricter protections for minors. Retailers will now be required to refuse the sale of alcoholic drinks and energy drinks if they believe a customer is under the age of 18, unless valid identification is presented proving otherwise.

The requirement will also apply to self-service and automated checkouts.

In addition, retailers selling alcohol online will be obliged to verify customers’ age through Croatia’s e-Građani digital identity system.

During parliamentary debate, Marijana Puljak of the Centre party welcomed the legislation but argued that it should have been introduced earlier. She also criticised the approach taken, saying local authorities should have been allowed to apply restrictions only in specific areas, such as historic city centres, rather than across an entire municipality or city.

An amendment proposing a zoning system was rejected by the governing majority.

Sustainability Reporting Requirements Reduced

Parliament also unanimously approved amendments to the Accounting Act, transposing the EU’s so-called Content Directive into Croatian law.

The changes significantly reduce the number of businesses required to submit sustainability reports. Under the new criteria, only companies with more than 1,000 employees and net revenue exceeding €450 million will be subject to the reporting obligation.

According to government estimates, the number of companies required to report on sustainability across the European Union will fall by 86 per cent. In Croatia, the number is expected to decrease from around 500 companies to approximately 30.

Changes to Legal Profession Rules

Lawmakers also adopted a new Law on the Legal Profession to align Croatian legislation with EU requirements and avoid potential financial penalties.

The changes will allow lawyers to operate through a wider range of organisational structures and enable law firms from EU member states to establish branches and subsidiaries in Croatia. The same rights will apply to firms from countries that are parties to the OECD Code of Liberalisation.

The law was supported by 79 MPs, while 35 abstained and five voted against.

The reforms also make it easier for trainee lawyers to gain professional experience by allowing part of their training to be completed with Croatian lawyers established in other EU member states, a move aimed at improving professional mobility and competitiveness.

Retired university professors of law in Croatia will also be permitted to provide legal advice and opinions, helping to address legal issues and contribute to the development of legal practice. They will be required to hold professional liability insurance under conditions similar to those applicable to practising lawyers.

Other Legislation Approved

Parliament unanimously passed legislation implementing the EU regulation on over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories.

MPs also approved amendments concerning working hours, mandatory rest periods for mobile workers and road transport recording devices, with 90 votes in favour and 29 abstentions.

Meanwhile, amendments to the Energy Charter Treaty received the support of 82 MPs, while four abstained and 31 voted against.

The parliamentary votes mark the latest round of legislative changes aimed at aligning Croatian regulations with European Union standards while introducing new measures in areas ranging from public health and consumer protection to legal services and corporate reporting.