Brits face being slapped with £3,400 fine abroad over strict new holiday clothes rules
Brits could face being slapped with £3,400 fine abroad over strict new holiday clothes rules.
As we climb further into summer, that only means one thing: Brits abroad.
Whether that's a girls' trip away to Dubrovnik or a lads on tour-type fiasco to Split - it's clear UK holiday-goers now have to keep in mind some new rules to avoid getting slammed with some pretty hefty fines whilst hitting a certain popular European destination.
But the British public have been issued a warning regarding their holiday etiquette this year after being informed that stripping off in the heat or even taking a nap in some parts of Croatia could see them needing to fork out a small fortune in penalties.
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The Croatian city of Split has followed suit with leading city Dubrovnik, after calling for a ban on walking about the old city centre either shirtless or in a bikini.
Split City Council published the decision earlier this year in February and explained that the new rules will apply to both tourists alongside native locals during the summer periods.
The official document reads: "Inside Zone A (cultural-historical centre) it is forbidden be in a bathing suit, underwear or no clothes in a public space."
According to local news outlet Croatia Week, the bylaw is 'intended to bring order to the city'.
It continues: "Especially in Split’s cultural-historical centre, [the rule] went into force at the start of the new year with the fine prescribed at 150 euros for those breaching the bylaw."
The bylaw also covers a several other things that tourists need to be wary of, such as drinking alcohol in public and walking a dog without a lead.
The outlet reports that 'communal wardens will patrol the streets looking out for offenders' who can also be issued with a £129 (€150) fine for drinking.
"Inside Zone A (cultural-historical centre) consumption of alcoholic beverages is forbidden in public areas except on terraces for catering services," the official document continues.
The penalty for walking a dog without a leash currently stands at around £56 (€66.36).
The government's UK Foreign Office website has mapped out some key 'travel advice' when visiting Croatia.
Under the 'local laws and customs' subsection, the site explains: "In some Croatian town centres, authorities may issue on the spot fines for behaviour which is locally considered inappropriate."
Such behaviour includes; walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear, wearing clothing that promotes drug use, sleeping in public areas, climbing on top of monuments, urinating in public spaces, drinking alcohol near protected public spaces (e.g. schools) and vomiting in public areas.
The government warns: "You can also be fined up to €4000 for actions considered to be disturbances to public order. These include fighting, verbal abuse and drunken behaviour.
"Most towns have signage to advise about actions that are prohibited by local law. Take notice of your surroundings, including signage, and seek local advice."
It concluded: "Drug related offences are punishable with fines and jail sentences."
Well, the more you know - eh?
Rhiannon Ingle