Croatia threatens drunk tourists with £600 fines
British holiday-makers have long flocked to Croatia for fun in the sun.
But those planning a trip to the party Island of Hvar had better be on their best behaviour this summer - after newly-elected Mayor Rikardo Novak introduced a crackdown on loutish tourists.
Penalties of up to £620 (€700) will be issued for 'anti-social' activities including eating and drinking in public, and strolling the streets in swimwear.Â
How-to guide: These warning signs have already been erected throughout the summer resort
Warning signs have already been erected throughout the summer resort, which read: 'Save Your Money and Enjoy Hvar'.
Located at the entrances to the town's centre, they explicitly detail the offences and the corresponding fines, local media have reported.
The highest fine of €700 is for public drinking, eating or sleeping.
Other unwelcome behaviour includes tourists walking around in swimsuits in Hvar's centre risking a €600 (£530) fine, while those not wearing T-shirts will pay €500 (£445).
'They are vomiting in town, urinating on every corner, walking without T-shirts [...] crawling around, unconscious,' Novak told local media in June announcing measures to change such habits.
'Young tourists are welcome, but they will have to learn how to behave here.'
Last year Croatia welcomed nearly 16 million visitors to scenic spots such as Hvar (pictured)
His reactions were sparked also by articles in British tabloids which described the Croatian island destination as a 'place of Sodom and Gomorrah.'
Last month the mayor of Novalja, on the northern island of Pag, also complained about young mostly British tourists visiting his town.
Mayor Ante Dabo warned notably against what he called their 'primitivism, nakedness and drunkeness.'
Like Hvar, Novalja in the past several years has become known as a summer party destination for young tourists.
Tourism is a major industry for Croatia with visitors flocking to its stunning Adriatic coast, which boasts more than 1,000 islands and islets.
Last year the Balkan count ry welcomed nearly 16 million visitors, far outstripping its population of 4.2 million.Â
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