Liquor license

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 Requirements:

• 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 Requirements 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 to do.

• You apply for the permit from the municipality. Do this in the municipality where your business, association, or foundation is located.
• 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.
• You must also apply for a license to operate a catering establishment, known as an operating license.
• Would you like to serve alcohol during a temporary event? If so, you must apply for an exemption. For more information, see Organizing events, permit or notification.
• You must also complete a Bibob Act application form.

What do I need?

• valid identification document of 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.

Arrange directly

You can use the form below to apply online for a license or to report a change in relation to alcoholic beverages and hospitality.

Application for a license or notification of change for beverages and hospitality

Bibob Act Application Form

Privacy

All information you provide to us is handled with care. Personal and/or address details will only be used for the purpose for which you provided them.

What does it cost?

The fee for the year 2025 is €415.85 for processing an application for a license under Article 3 of the Alcohol Act.

How long does 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.

Objecting

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