Alcohol license

If you serve or sell alcohol, you need a liquor and catering license from the municipality.

If you want to serve alcohol during an event, you must apply for an exemption from the municipality.

No permit needed

In the following cases, you may sell beer, wine, port and sherry:

  • Supermarket
  • Grocery store
  • Snack bar
  • Caterer 
  • Tobacconist
  • Liquor store

In that case, you do not need a permit. You are not allowed to offer alcohol for tasting in your establishment.

How does it work?

You can apply for the permit from the municipality where your business, association or foundation is located. You can download the application form at the bottom of this page. 

You will receive a response within 8 weeks. Are you applying for the permit for an association or foundation? Then you will receive a response within 6 months.

Always report new supervisors

If a new supervisor is appointed, you must report this to the municipality. You do not need to apply for a new permit for this.

Conditions

With a liquor and catering license, you are allowed to sell and serve alcohol to people aged 18 and older.

You can get the permit if you meet the following conditions:

  • Your staff members are 16 years or older.
  • Your bar employee under the age of 18 may sell alcohol, but not drink it.
  • All managers are at least 21 years old and have a SVH Certificate of Social Hygiene or a Certificate of Competence. You can look this up in the Social Hygiene Register.
  • None of the managers have a criminal record.
  • A manager must always be present in your establishment. This manager is also listed on your permit.

Associations and foundations

The following additional conditions apply to associations and foundations that serve alcohol:

  • The hours during which alcohol is served and the age limit are posted in a clearly visible location.
  • There are at least two managers within the association or foundation with an SVH Certificate in Social Hygiene.
  • When alcohol is served, one of these managers is present.
  • The house rules regarding alcohol consumption are stated in the administrative regulations.

Public Administration Probity Screening Act (Bibob)

A Bibob screening is always part of the application process for a liquor and catering permit. You can find everything about Bibob and the application form on the Bibob page.

What do I need to bring?

  • valid identification of each person named on the permit
  • Map of the business, including the outdoor seating area
  • official administrative regulations (this only applies to associations and foundations)

The municipality may request additional documents, such as employment contracts of the managers.

How much does it cost?

The costs for a Liquor and Catering permit: €390.10.

The costs for changing an existing Liquor and Catering permit: €22.85.

Any other costs for applying for an exemption can be found in the fees bylaw.

Documents