Operating permit for a catering establishment
Do you want to start a café, restaurant, or other catering business in the Netherlands? Or do you plan to take over or expand an existing catering establishment? In many municipalities, you need an operating permit. The conditions for this permit are different in each municipality.
Find out more or arrange now
at your municipality, province, or water authority
Operating permit conditions
An operating permit from the municipality provides you with permission to run a catering business. The municipality decides which conditions catering establishments need to fulfil. You must always make sure your establishment fits within the municipality’s environment plan (omgevingsplan). Usually, the municipality also sets requirements for public order and safety in the General Municipal By-Laws (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, APV) that you must comply with.
Alcohol licence
Do you want to sell and serve alcoholic drinks? Then you need an alcohol licence in addition to an operating permit.
Changes to your catering establishment
Do you wish to make changes to your catering establishment? Then you will need to change your permit or apply for a new one. For example if:
- you intend to operate or extend an outdoor terrace
- you hire other managers
- you want to install a slot machine or gaming machine
Check if you need an environment and planning permit and apply
For some activities, you have to submit a notification, or you may need an environment and planning permit (omgevingsvergunning) in addition to an operating permit. For example, if you want to:
- relocate your establishment
- carry out an activity in or near a nature conservation area
Go to the online service counter Omgevingsloket (in Dutch) to check if you need an environment and planning permit (omgevingsvergunning). In the Omgevingsloket you can see which rules apply in your municipality, province, or regional water authority. You can then use the Omgevingsloket to apply online for an environment and planning permit or submit a notification.
Enforcement
The municipality will check if you follow the local rules. They may fine you or revoke your operating permit if you violate the rules.
Online application procedure via Message Box
Message Box has not yet been linked to the Omgevingsloket. This means that you cannot apply for an operating permit or make a notification via Message Box. Message Box is a secure email system that enables you as an entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.