Adjust opening hours of catering industry once
Commercial catering establishments have a general exemption from the closing hour with a one-way street from 02:00. This means that these catering establishments may decide for themselves when they want to close. It is not allowed to let guests in after 02.00 hrs. Paracommercial catering establishments such as village halls and sports canteens have a different closing time regime, which is inherent to the type of catering establishment.
As a paracommercial catering establishment, do you want to be open longer than permitted on one occasion? In certain cases, such as special events, this is possible. You must apply to the municipality for a closing time dispensation.
What to do.
Apply for the waiver online using the button above.
Closing Times
The closing time regime for the different types of catering establishments is as follows:
- Commercial catering, general: these establishments are subject to a general exemption from the closing hour with a one-way traffic from 02:00. This means that they may decide when to close, but may not admit guests after 02:00;
- Snack bars, cafeterias, lunchrooms, pizzerias, etc.: as above, but with one deviation: the one-way traffic does not apply here; however, under the condition that no alcohol may be served after 02:00;
- Village houses (insofar as they are not leased because then they fall under the category of commercial): a closing time of 24:00 on weekdays and 01:00 on weekends (night of Friday to Saturday and night of Saturday to Sunday) applies to these venues; in the case of special occasions, exemption from the closing time may be requested;
- (Church) association buildings (insofar as they have not been leased because then they fall under the category of commercial): a closing time of 24:00 hours, 7 days a week, applies to these occasions; in case of special occasions, exemption from the closing time may be requested;
- Sports canteens (provided they are not leased because then they fall under the category of commercial): alcohol may be served until two hours after the last game/training/meeting and, in the case of away games, until one hour after returning home, with a closing time no later than 24:00 Monday through Friday and 19:00 on Saturday and Sunday; in the case of special occasions, exemption from the closing time may be requested;
- Terraces: general exemption from the closing hour until midnight.
What does it cost?
This waiver is subject to a permit fee.
- Waiver 2025: €38.75.