Alcohol permit for hospitality operators

For who?

Hospitality operators who serve one of these alcoholic beverages:

• Fermented beverages such as beer or wine
• Spirits above 22% ABV, such as gin and vodka
• Drinks to which alcohol is added of at least 1.2%, such as alcopops, cocktails, etc.

Exceptions

• Restaurants that only serve fermented drinks with a meal (e.g. wine, beer) do not need an alcohol permit.
• Traders (shopkeepers, market traders, etc.) need a different permit.

How do you apply?

1. Submit your application to the police.

2. The police carry out a morality check.

3. The city inspects the hygiene of your business. (Dutch only)

4. If the morality check and hygiene inspection are positive, you will be issued with an alcohol permit. It specifies your name and is linked to the location.

When may you not serve alcohol?

There are times when you may not serve alcohol, even if you have an alcohol permit:

• It is forbidden to serve light alcoholic beverages (e.g. wine or beer) to young people under the age of 16.
• It is forbidden to serve spirits to young people under the age of 18.

Regulations

You can read more information summarised in the police regulations or in the brochure 'Glashelder’ (Crystal Clear) (Dutch only):