Selling alcohol in shops: permit and rules

To sell alcoholic beverages in your shop, you need an alcohol permit. In some cases a ban applies.

For who?

Traders who want to sell alcoholic beverages:

  • Spirits such as gin and vodka (ABV above 22%)
  • Light alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine

Hospitality operators need a different permit.

How do you apply for a permit?

  1. Fill in the application form. (Dutch only)
  2. Send it by post to FOD Financiën (Douane en Accijnzen).
You can read more information on the VVSG website. (Dutch only)

When are you not allowed to sell alcohol?

There are exceptions to the sale of alcohol, even if you have an alcohol permit:

  • It is forbidden to sell light alcoholic beverages to young people under the age of 16.
  • It is forbidden to sell spirits to young people under the age of 18.

For night shops

It is forbidden to sell alcohol in specific places at certain times of the year.

  • When: From 1 June to 30 November inclusive between midnight and 8 a.m.
  • Where: Within a radius of 150 metres around:
    • Naamsestraat, between Grote Markt and Sint-Michielsstraat
    • Tiensestraat, from Rector De Somerplein to Herbert Hooverplein
    • Oude Markt and the adjacent streets
    • Brusselsestraat, from Grote Markt to Parijsstraat
    • Grote Markt
    • Martelarenplein
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