Operating permit for catering establishments

An operating license contains conditions. These conditions relate to nuisance, safety and decency. You apply for an operating license from the municipality if:

  • you want to start or take over a catering business
  • you want to expand your catering business by renovating
  • the legal structure of your catering business changes
  • your catering establishment gets a new manager
  • you want to start a terrace or expand your terrace
  • you are going to carry out new activities with your catering business

This applies to every catering establishment, even if you do not serve alcohol. A catering establishment is, for example, a:

  • hotel
  • restaurant, café or snack bar
  • discotheque
  • community center or clubhouse

How does it work?

You can apply for the permit using the operating license form from the municipality. 

The municipality will assess the extent to which the establishment unacceptably adversely affects or impairs the living situation in the surrounding area and/or public order. The municipality will request advice from the police. Your application must be submitted to the municipality as early as possible. The processing time for catering permits is 3 months.

Conditions

You will usually get the permit if you meet the following conditions:

  • The owner/manager is at least 21 years old and of good conduct. The municipality may ask for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
  • If the neighborhood is disturbed by your catering establishment, the municipality may ask you to take measures to address this.
  • The zoning plan indicates that catering establishments are allowed in the area.
  • The municipality may ask you to complete a Bibob form. This allows them to assess whether there is a risk that the permit will be used for criminal activities.

What is a catering establishment?

A catering establishment is a company where you can stay, eat and/or drink for a fee. Examples include: a hotel, guesthouse, restaurant, cafe, cafeteria, snack bar and disco. But also: a sports canteen, swimming pool, company restaurant, coffee corner in a store, department store, association building, community center and church building.

The mayor can refuse the permit if the establishment or operation of the business is in violation of an applicable zoning plan. Furthermore, the mayor can refuse the catering business permit if the living situation in the vicinity of the catering establishment and/or public order are adversely affected. Factors that are important in the assessment:

  • the character of the street or neighborhood
  • the nature of the establishment (e.g. discotheque or sports canteen)
  • the stress to which the residential environment is or will be exposed due to the operation of the establishment.

Public Administration Probity Screening Act (Bibob)

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

How much does it cost?

Fees: € 262.50.