Liquor license
What is an alcohol license?
- If you serve or sell alcohol, you need an alcohol license from the municipality.
- If you wish to serve alcohol during an event, you must apply for an exemption from the municipality.
No permit required
You may sell beer, wine, port, and sherry in the following establishments:
- supermarket
- grocery store
- snack bar
- caterer
- tobacco shop
- liquor store
You do not need a license in that case. You are not allowed to offer alcohol for tasting in your establishment.
How does it work?
With an alcohol license, you may serve and sell alcohol to persons aged 18 and older.
You can obtain the permit if you meet the following conditions:
- Your employees are 16 years of age or older.
- Your bar staff under the age of 18 may sell alcohol, but not drink it.
- All managers are at least 21 years of age and have an SVH Social Hygiene Certificate or Professional Competence Certificate. You can look this up in the Social Hygiene Register.
- None of the managers have a criminal record.
- A manager must always be present at your establishment. This manager is also listed on your license.
Associations and foundations
Additional conditions apply to associations and foundations that serve alcohol:
- The hours during which alcohol is served and the age limit are displayed in a clearly visible place.
- There are at least two managers within the association or foundation who hold an SVH Social Hygiene Certificate.
- When alcohol is served, one of these managers must be present.
- The house rules regarding alcohol consumption are set out in the board regulations.
What should I do?
You apply for the permit at the municipality. Do this in the municipality where your business, association, or foundation is located.
Bibob investigation
The municipality may ask you to complete a Bibob questionnaire. The municipality uses this to assess the reliability of your company. If, for example, you have a criminal record, the municipality may decide not to grant you a license.
Always report new managers
If a new manager joins the company, you must report this to the municipality. You do not need to apply for a new permit for this.
What do I need?
- valid proof of identity for each person named on the permit
- floor plan of the company, including terrace
- official administrative regulations (this applies only to associations and foundations)
The municipality may request additional documents, such as employment contracts for managers.
How long will it take?
- You will receive a response within 8 weeks.
- If you apply for a permit for an association or foundation, you will receive a response within six months.
Lodge an objection
If you disagree with the municipality's decision, you can lodge an objection within six weeks.
Forms
- Read 1. Application form for hospitality businesses.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 2. Statement from hospitality business manager.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read 3. Bibob questionnaire.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 3a. Appendix to bibob form.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 4. Flyer bibob.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read 5. Application form for foundation association.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 6. Statement from the foundation's governing body.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read 8. Change form for hospitality business manager.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read 9. Change form for foundation management association.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read 10. Application form for exemption under Article 35 of the Dutch Housing Act (DHW).pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader