Hospitality establishment operating license

An operating license contains conditions. These conditions have to do with 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 hospitality business through a remodel
  • the legal form of your hospitality business changes
  • your hospitality business will have a different manager
  • You want to start a patio or expand your patio
  • you will be conducting new activities with your catering business

This applies to any catering establishment, even if you do not serve alcohol. For example, a catering establishment is a:

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

How does it work?

You apply for the permit from the municipality using the button below. 

Apply for hospitality operating license

The municipality considers the extent to which the establishment adversely affects or affects the residential and living conditions in the vicinity and/or public order in an unacceptable manner. In doing so, the municipality asks the police for advice. Your application should be submitted to the municipality as early as possible. The processing time for catering permits is 3 months.

Terms

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

  • The holder/manager is at least 21 years old and of impeccable conduct. The municipality may request a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
  • If the surrounding area is inconvenienced by your hospitality business, the municipality may request that you take measures to that end.
  • The zoning plan indicates that there may be catering establishments in the area.
  • The municipality may ask you for a completed Bibob form. With this it assesses whether there is a chance that the permit will be used for criminal activities.

What is a hospitality business?

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

The mayor may refuse the permit if the establishment or operation of the establishment violates a current zoning plan. Furthermore, the mayor may refuse the Catering Establishment Operating Permit if the living/living situation in the vicinity of the catering establishment and/or public order are adversely affected. Factors to consider:

  • the character of the street or neighborhood
  • The nature of the establishment (e.g. nightclub or a sports canteen)
  • the stresses to which the on-site residential environment is already or will be exposed due to the operation of the facility.

Bibob Act

When applying for an operating license, a Bibob test is always done. You can find everything about Bibob and the application form on the page about Bibob.

What does it cost?

Fees: €262.50.