Liquor License
What is a liquor license?
- If you serve or sell alcohol, you need an alcohol license from the municipality.
- If you wish to serve alcohol at an event, you must apply for a permit 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
In that case, you do not need a license. 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 individuals 18 years of age and older.
You can obtain the permit if you meet the following Requirements:
- Your employees are 16 years of age or older.
- Your bar staff member under the age of 18 may sell alcohol, but not drink it.
- All supervisors are at least 21 years old and hold an SVH Certificate of Social Hygiene or a Certificate of Professional Competence. You can verify this in the Social Hygiene Registry.
- None of the managers has a criminal record.
- A supervisor must always be present at your business. This supervisor is also listed on your license.
Associations and foundations
Additional Requirements apply to clubs 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 who hold an SVH Certificate in Social Hygiene.
- Whenever alcohol is served, one of these supervisors is present.
- The house rules regarding alcohol consumption are outlined in the bylaws.
What should I do?
You must apply for the permit from the municipality. Do so at 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 business. For example, if you have a criminal history, the municipality may decide not to grant you a permit.
Always report a new manager
If a new manager joins the company, you must notify the municipality. You do not need to apply for a new permit to do so.
What do I need?
- valid identification for each person named on the permit
- floor plan of the business, including the patio
- Official Bylaws (this applies only to associations and foundations)
The municipality may request additional documents, such as employment contracts for managers.
How long does it take?
- You will hear from us within 8 weeks.
- If you are applying for a permit on behalf of an association or foundation, you will receive a response within 6 months.
File an objection
If you disagree with the municipality’s decision, you may file an appeal within 6 weeks.
Additional information
Alcohol Prevention and Enforcement Plan Municipality of West Maas en Waal 2025-2028
Forms
- Read aloud 1. Application form for hospitality businesses.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 2. Statement from the manager of a hospitality business.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 3. Bibob questionnaire.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 3a. Appendix to the Bibob form.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 4. Flyer bibob.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 5. Association Foundation Application Form.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 6. Statement from the Association’s Executive Board.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 8. Change Form for Hospitality Business Manager.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 9. Change Form for Association and Foundation Management.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader
- Read aloud 10. Application form for exemption under Article 35 of the DHW.pdf with ReadSpeaker docReader