Hospitality establishment operating license

What is it?

An operating license contains Requirements. These Requirements have to do with nuisance, safety and decency. You apply for an operating license from the municipality if:

  • you want to start or take over a catering business
  • You want to expand your hospitality business through a remodel
  • the legal form of your hospitality business changes
  • your hospitality business will have a different manager
  • You want to start a patio or expand your patio
  • you will be conducting new activities with your catering business

This applies to any catering establishment, even if you do not serve alcohol. For example, a catering establishment is a:

  • hotel
  • restaurant, café or snack bar
  • disco
  • community center or clubhouse

How does it work?

You can get an operating license if you meet the following Requirements :

  • The owner or manager is of impeccable conduct and at least 21 years old. The municipality may ask for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
  • The surrounding area is not inconvenienced by your catering business. The municipality may request that you take measures to ensure this.
  • Hospitality establishments are allowed in the area.

The municipality may ask you for a completed Bibob form. With this, the municipality checks the background of your company and the people who work there.

What to do.

You apply for the permit from the municipality.

What do I need?

  • A business or business plan with information about the operations, products and people for whom your hospitality business is intended.
  • A rental agreement, title deed or lease of the property.
  • A floor plan of the property showing the location, layout, the various rooms and the boundaries of the property.
  • A copy of valid identification of all managers who are employees.
  • A copy of the employment contract of all salaried executives.
  • A completed Bibob form.

How long does it take?

Within 8 weeks you will hear from the municipality whether you will receive the permit. The municipality can extend this period by up to 8 weeks.

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