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Hvar town's hospitality industry is in battle with its City Council over strict noise restrictions. (Image: Getty)
The city council in the picturesque town of Hvar Town, on Croatia's Hvar Island, last year implemented strict noise regulations to curb what it deems out-of-control tourist behaviour. After a new vote, once again, noise levels in the town this summer are limited to 65 decibels - roughly equivalent to the sound of a normal conversation.
The city council made this decision last month in a closed-door meeting. However, bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues have argued that this measure adversely affects their operations, especially during the peak summer season when they make most of their revenue. The Express spoke with two members of the Dictum, Factum! Association, which is leading the fight for more relaxed noise restriction levels.
With the noise restrictions, weddings are essentially forbidden. (Image: Getty)
The noise restriction law applies to the whole country, but in no other town has it become such an issue, explained local hotel, small restaurant and bar owner Nađa Vukasović. Due to the pressure of a few citizens, city councillors, and, crucially, the mayor, Rikardo Novak, inspectors were invited to Hvar to review hospitality establishments that produce any noise.
City Councils across Croatia, including Split, can increase the minimum noise level to 85 or even 90 decibels - equivalent to the sound of a food blender. However, in Hvar Town, the law was applied particularly strictly.
“It’s really ridiculous because Hvar depends on tourism in the first place,” added Nađa. Even if it didn’t, it’s still ridiculous as you can’t have birthday parties, guitar players singing inside the bars, so all bars, restaurants, hotels, hotel lobbies, conferences with microphones…”
In previous years, Hvar has become a popular choice for summer destination weddings, held at Nađa’s own hotel. According to Nađa, they finish at midnight: “They finish at a reasonable time, they are not like all-night long weddings.
“It is now not possible to have a guitar player who is plugged into a small sound system. He cannot play within 65 decibels. Basically, the weddings are forbidden.”
“We used to hold cocktail parties for different companies, business gatherings […] any of these events are just not possible to hold with these conditions.”
Without tourism, it will become 'apocalyptic' in Hvar Town. (Image: Getty)
“It’s a stupid law - it’s impossible to organise weddings,” added Dictum, Factum! President Visko Visković. “This is huge nonsense.”
News outlets have focused on the fact that “party tourism” is over in Hvar. “This is not party, tourism, there are only a few clubs that stay open all night long,” explained Nađa. “This is beyond that. This is something that interferes with our lives. We are not able to have any kind of family celebrations anymore. It’s affecting all parts of life.”
“Party tourism is over, yes, but this is not our main issue. Our main problem is that any type of tourism that includes entertainment and music and having a good time, would be over if they keep this restriction level.”
Visko and Nađa explained that the association came together to develop solutions, such as equipment that they can buy and use in their establishments to monitor noise levels. Visko said they “totally support” the threat of big fines, as high as €5,000 for those who break the law, and the removal of that establishment’s tables from the outside areas that belong to the city council.
“We proposed an agreement to the city council, to find solutions and meet in between, but they are just refusing to talk and are not willing to compromise,” said Nađa.
“Most of the people in Hvar are living from tourism, and we are blessed with a gift. Without tourism, it’s going to be apocalyptic and a huge economic issue for us.”
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The members aregued the city council tried to blame town mess on loud music. (Image: Getty)
The members also argued that the city council tried to blame town mess during the summer season on loud music. They said that because of loud music, people are behaving badly around the town, “which is just not true”.
“They don’t know how to deal with this mess so they’re just trying to point the finger at someone who is guilty, and so the bars are guilty because they have music and people are dancing and getting drunk.”
However, there may be a small light at the end of the tunnel. Local elections are set to take place in May, and the results will elect a new mayor and city council.
“If you ask 80% of citizens [of the 4,000-strong population], they are for entertainment. They want it controlled but balanced,” explained Visko.
“The tourist season is coming and people are struggling to open their businesses because they don’t know what to expect. Do we need five waiters, do we need 10?” added Nađa. “I’ve just cancelled all the musicians for the season and their accommodation [...] This season will be really confusing. We will feel this for the next few years.”
The Tourist Board said that music and a vibrant atmosphere was never Hvar's defining feature. (Image: Getty)
The Express also contacted Hvar Town Tourist Board on the issue, to which they replied: “[The board] would like to clarify that we are not responsible for drafting or enforcing legislation [...] The authority over noise protection laws lies with public bodies such as the Ministry of Health and the State Inspectorate.
“These noise limits have been part of national legislation for some time, in accordance with EU directives, and are applied across most European destinations. What changed is that, following last summer’s public attention sparked by a dispute between two business operators, the situation gained broader media visibility and was followed by stricter monitoring and enforcement by the State Inspectorate specifically (and only) in Hvar.
“From our perspective, music and a vibrant atmosphere have always been part of Hvar’s identity, but they were never its defining feature. We have consistently promoted Hvar as a destination of natural beauty, rich culture and history, exceptional gastronomy, and high-quality hospitality. Entertainment is just one complementary element of a premium and well-rounded guest experience.”
The spokesperson continued: “I truly hope Hvar continues to be recognized in the UK as a high-quality, authentic Mediterranean destination.”
The Express also contacted the Head of the Department for Culture and Public Relations at the City of Hvar but has not received a reply.
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