NEW TOURISM LAW BANS ALCOHOL ON RAFTING TOURS

Tourist safety on the fast-flowing rivers of Republika Srpska is set to take priority under a new draft Law on Tourism, which introduces strict rules prohibiting alcohol consumption before and during rafting tours. The proposal aims to eliminate risky practices that have long accompanied adrenaline-filled excursions, where alcohol was often part of the experience.

Under the new regulations, skippers will be granted legal authority to remove any participant from a raft or boat if they are under the influence of alcohol. This measure is expected to bring order to a sector that has so far lacked clear, enforceable standards.

FOCUS ON SAFETY

The primary goal of the proposed measures is to improve tourist safety and reduce the risk of injuries on rapids, where alcohol has traditionally been present. Representatives of rafting centers have largely welcomed the ban, emphasizing that safety must come before entertainment and noting that many past incidents have been linked to alcohol consumption.

Currently in the consultation phase, the draft law significantly reshapes the concept of rafting—from a leisure activity often associated with partying to one centered on safety and responsible enjoyment of nature.

FROM PRACTICE TO REGULATION

In practice, rafting tours have frequently included alcohol, from drinks brought onto boats to organized breaks mid-descent where tourists were greeted with beverages and music. After such pauses, participants would continue the adventure in a more relaxed—but also riskier—state.

The new law introduces a clear ban on serving and consuming alcohol both before and during rafting trips. This not only sets firm boundaries but also supports skippers, who will no longer have to enforce rules on their own, as the law will now back their authority.

Željko Milutinović, owner of the “Drina-Tara” rafting club in Foča, believes the changes will improve overall safety.

“Personally, I think this suits us. Guests will focus more on the experience and nature rather than alcohol. Drinking should either be completely removed or reduced to a minimum—ideally reserved for after the tour, once everything is safely completed,” he said.

He added that the law will ease the burden on organizers. “We won’t be the ones imposing restrictions anymore—there will be a clear regulation behind us. That’s important for both us as responsible parties and for the guests.”

CHALLENGES WITH GUESTS

Jovana Govedarica from rafting center “RT” shares a similar view, noting that dealing with guests who want to drink during tours has always been challenging.

“People often complain, saying they can do it elsewhere, and sometimes leave negative reviews because of it. But safety comes first, and we fully support banning alcohol,” she said.

Although there have been no major incidents so far, she stressed that the risk is always present. “Just because nothing serious has happened doesn’t mean it won’t. That’s why it’s important to regulate this area and have clear legal support.”

NO ROOM FOR COMPROMISE

Momir Zubović from the Banja Luka-based company “Ekstrim Tim” also underlined that alcohol and rafting should not mix.

“This is not a matter of choice, but of safety. We have never allowed alcohol on our tours and have strictly adhered to that policy, even if it meant losing some customers,” he said.

According to him, many injuries on rivers are linked to alcohol use. “There have been cases where intoxicated individuals fell out of boats, became disoriented, or suffered fractures and other injuries. These are situations that can be avoided if alcohol is excluded entirely.”

ADDITIONAL MEASURES

Beyond rafting safety, the draft law introduces stricter rules across the tourism sector. Travel agencies organizing school excursions will be required to provide a bank guarantee covering at least 50 percent of the total arrangement value, reducing the risk of cancellations or financial issues.

The proposal also includes the creation of a Central Information System—an electronic registry of tourists and accommodation providers—which is expected to improve oversight of short-term rentals and curb illegal operations. Additionally, the status of tourist destinations will no longer be permanent but subject to review every five years.

If adopted, the new law could mark a significant shift in how tourism—especially adventure tourism—is managed, placing safety firmly ahead of entertainment.