Alcohol License

  • As a business owner, do you want to serve or sell alcoholic beverages? Then you must apply for an alcohol license. You also need this permit if you sell liquor in a liquor store. Are you a non-commercial organization? Then apply for a non-commercial alcohol permit.
  • You can only use an Alcohol License if you also have an operating license. 
  • If you want to serve alcohol during an event, you must apply to the municipality for an exemption.

eRecognitionAlcohol license application

No permit required

In the following stores, you may sell beer, wine, port and sherry in sealed containers for use anywhere other than on the premises:

  • supermarket
  • food store
  • snack bar
  • caterer
  • tobacco store
  • liquor store

You do not then need a license. No alcohol may be opened, drunk and/or tasted on the premises. 

How does it work?

An alcohol license allows you to serve and sell alcohol to persons 18 and older.

You can get the permit if you meet the following Requirements:

  • Your staff members are 16 years of age or older.
  • Your bartender under 18 may sell alcohol but not drink it.
  • All managers are at least 21 years old and have an SVH Declaration of Social Hygiene or Declaration of Professional Competence. You can look this up in the Register of Social Hygiene.
  • None of the executives has a criminal record.
  • An executive must always be present in your business. This manager is also listed on your license.
  • You cannot use the alcohol license without holding an operating permit. 

Associations and foundations

Additional Requirements apply to associations and foundations that serve alcohol:

  • The hours when alcohol is served and the age limit is posted in a highly visible place.
  • There are at least two managers within the association or foundation with an SVH Certificate of Social Hygiene.
  • When alcohol is served, one of these managers is present or a bartender who has completed the "Responsible Alcohol Use" instruction.
  • The house rules around alcohol consumption are in the board rules.

What should I do?

You make an appointment with team Public Order and Safety. During the appointment, you will discuss your plans with an employee of the municipality. During the meeting, the employee will explain to you how the application process works.

You will then fill out all the necessary application forms and collect the accompanying documents. Once the file is complete, you will make another appointment to submit the application in person.

The municipality considers only complete applications. It takes 6 to 16 weeks to process the application. After that, the municipality will let you know if you get the permit.

  • The procedure for a non-commercial alcohol license is different and takes longer. 
  • An alcohol permit is for an unlimited time. Thus, you do not need to renew the permit. 

Changing manager

Do you have employees who may also work as managers named in the Alcohol Law, or is an employee leaving? If so, notify the municipality to adjust the Alcohol License Appendix. You can indicate this by completing the application form below. 

DigiDChange of manager - request with DigiD

eRecognitionChange of manager - request with eRecognition

Acknowledgement of receipt

After your notification, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. From that moment, the notified manager may immediately work as a manager in your hospitality business. 

Keep the receipt with your alcohol license until you receive a new appendix. 

What do I need?

To apply for an alcohol license, you need:

  • A copy of the ID or passport of the business owner/directors and executives. If you are making this application on behalf of someone else, the authorization certificate and a copy of passport of that person(s) is also required.
  • A copy of executives' employment contracts.
  • Optional: a declaration of no interference. This allows managers to declare that they have no involvement in the management or operation of the catering or liquor company. These persons are not required to have a Declaration of Social Hygiene.
  • Statements of Social Hygiene do not have to be sent along. The municipality can look up these declarations in a register. However, managers must have this declaration.
  • In the case of associations or foundations: a copy of the board regulations.
  • Extract from the Chamber of Commerce (CoC).
  • A completed Bibob form including its attachments. You can fill out the Bibob form digitally. You do not need to upload the form and its attachments.
  • Scale plan of the business, including dimensions and terrace and distinction of rooms (including restrooms).

Costs

DescriptionCosts
Permit referred to in art. 3 Alcohol Act€ 224,45
Modify permit referred to in art. 30 and 30a.€ 40,00
Exemption referred to in art. 35 Alcohol Act€ 33,15

Price changes and typographical errors reserved.

How long does it take?

  • You will be notified within 8 weeks.
  • If you apply for the permit for an association or foundation, you will be notified within 6 months.

Objecting

If you disagree with the municipality's decision, you can object within 6 weeks.

Questions?

Still have questions? Send an email to nl

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