Catering licence
Do you want to start or take over a catering business? For example, a hotel, restaurant, guest house, café, cafeteria or snack bar. These are commercial catering establishments. Or a community centre, clubhouse for sports clubs or students, a village hall or youth centre. These are para-commercial catering establishments. You need to apply for a permit from the local authority for them.
Operating licence or alcohol licence?
Operating licence or alcohol licence?
This depends on whether or not you serve alcohol.
Also see the information under the heading ‘Public Administration (Probity Screening) Act’ (Bibob Act)’.
Operating permit
You need an operating licence if you want to start or take over a catering business in which you do not serve alcohol. Cannabis cafes and takeaways also need an operating licence.
How to apply?
You can apply for an operating permit digitally.
When submitting an application you must add attachments. An overview of this can be found in the information brochure operating permit for starting a catering business. Therefore, first make sure that all attachments are ready before submitting an application. Before submitting an application, first complete the Bibob question form.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the following forms:
- Application for an operating licence for a catering establishment (including cannabis cafes)
- Bibob question form
Applying for or extending a declaration of tolerance?
You need a declaration of tolerance for a coffee shop. Download and complete the form application/extension of declaration of tolerance for coffee shops (PDF, 53.27 KB). It is not possible to submit this declaration of tolerance digitally.
Alcohol licence
You need an alcohol licence if you want to start or take over a catering business in which you do serve alcoholic beverages. Off-licenced premises also need an alcohol licence.
How to apply (commercial catering company or liquor store)?
You can apply for an alcohol licence digitally.
When submitting an application you must add attachments. An overview of this can be found in the information brochure for starting an alcohol license in a catering business (PDF, 2.77 MB) and the information brochure for starting an alcohol license for a liquor store. Therefore, first make sure that all attachments are ready before submitting an application. Before submitting an application, first complete the Bibob question form.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the following forms:
- Application for Alcohol Act licence – model A
- Annex to the Alcohol Act application form
- Bibob question form
How to apply (para-commercial catering establishment)?
You can apply for an alcohol licence digitally.
When submitting an application you must add attachments. An overview of this can be found in the information folder alcohol licence to start a catering business (paracommercial). (PDF, 2.94 MB). Therefore, first make sure that all attachments are ready before submitting an application.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the form:
Terrace permit
Are you taking a terrace cafe into use? If so, you will need a terrace permit. Only catering and restaurant companies are allowed to have a terrace cafe.
How to apply?
When starting a new catering business, you specify in your application that you want a terrace cafe.
Do you already have an alcohol licence or operating licence?
Do you want to expand or reduce the size of the existing terrace cafe? You can submit an application to change the permits digitally.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the form Application/modification of premises/terrace of a catering establishment.
Terrace cafe on your own land?
Do you have an operating licence and is the terrace cafe entirely on your own land? If so, you will not need a terrace cafe licence.
Public Administration (Probity Screening) Act (Wet Bibob)
The Bibob Act ensures that criminal activities are not unwittingly and unknowingly enabled by the local authority. The local authority does not want any unreliable catering entrepreneurs. Only healthy and honest catering establishments.
If you apply for a catering establishment licence (including cannabis cafes), sex work establishment or gambling arcade, you will have to meet the requirements of the Wet Bibob.
Fill in the Wet Bibob questionnaire form
Are you applying for an operating licence or alcohol licence? In that case, also fill in the form Wet Bibob Questionnaire.
Do you have an off-licence or a para-commercial catering business?
If so, you do not need to fill in the Bibob Act questionnaire.
What is done with the Bibob Act questionnaire?
Based on the information you enter in the questionnaire, the local authority will conduct an integrity inquiry into your company and the people associated with it. Does that inquiry reveal that you might use the licence for criminal activities? If so, we will seek advice from the National Bibob Office. That means you will have to wait 8 to 12 weeks longer for your permit.
Are there no doubts about the integrity of the entrepreneur or other people associated with the company? In that case, the licence can be granted.
Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)
Are you applying for an operating licence? If so, you must apply for a VOG as an applicant. This may include several people. For example, in the case of a general partnership.
How to apply?
Collect the form at the Town Hall. Send an email to vergunningen@leeuwarden.nl. Indicate what kind of catering establishment is involved.
Do you want to add an employee to the licence annex?
If so, this employee does not have to apply for a VOG.
Rules for completing the VOG
- The person the VOG is needed for completes the form themselves. This person submits the completed form to their own local authority. Bring a valid proof of identity when submitting the form. A charge is made for applying for a VOG.
- The local authority sends the VOG to the home address of the person who applied for it.
- The applicant must submit the original VOG to the City of Leeuwarden.
Reporting change of manager
Do you already have an alcohol licence or operating licence? If so, you can have a new manager added to the licence annex.
You can immediately report this digitally.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the Management declaration form. Different requirements for the new manager apply for each type of licence
Requirements for a (new) manager for an operating licence
- At least 18 years of age (21 for cannabis cafes).
- No social misconduct. For example, a prison sentence and/or fine.
- Not under administration.
Requirements for a (new) manager with an alcohol licence
- At least 21 years old.
- No social misconduct. For example, a prison sentence and/or fine.
- Not under administration.
- Enrolled in the online Register of Social Hygiene.
When is the employee allowed to work as a new manager?
As soon as we inform you that we have received the ‘Manager’s Statement’ form. Does a notified employee not meet the requirements for a manager? In that case, this employee will not be permitted to work as a manager in the company.
Catering company and restaurant opening hours
The City of Leeuwarden works with different areas. Each of them have their own opening hours.
Schedule of closing times Leeuwarden
Schedule of closing times Grou
For a catering establishment with an alcohol licence or a cannabis cafe, there is a deadline for admitting new customers. From that time onwards, you may not admit any new customers.
The local authority has made an exception for some catering establishments. These are listed in the Leeuwarden Catering Policy. The Leeuwarden Catering Policy can be found under the heading ‘Laws and regulations’ at the bottom of this page.
Area 1 – Red
| Alcohol licence of cannabis cafe | Operating permit | Daytime catering and takeaway companies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5am | Monday to Sunday from 7am to 10pm |
| No new customers admitted after | 3am | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Catering company must be closed and vacated | 5am | 5am | 10pm |
Area 2 – Pink
| Alcohol licence of cannabis cafe | Operating permit | Daytime catering and takeaway companies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 3am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 3am | Monday to Sunday from 7am to 10pm |
| No new customers admitted after | 2am | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Catering company must be closed and vacated | 3am | 3am | 10pm |
Area 3 – white
| Alcohol licence of cannabis cafe | Operating permit | Daytime catering and takeaway companies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 1am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 1am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm |
| No new customers admitted after | 0.00am | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Catering company must be closed and vacated | 1am | 1am | 10pm |
Opening hours for pavement cafes
Do you have a pavement cafe licence? If so, separate opening hours apply.
Cannabis cafes and takeaways are not allowed to have pavement cafes.
Schedule of closing times Leeuwarden
Schedule of closing times Grou
Area 1 (red) and area 2 (pink)
| Alcohol licence | Operating permit | Daytime catering | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours* | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 1 am | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 1 am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm |
* A different closing time applies in the months of June to September. On the night of Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday, the closing time is 2 am.
Area 3 (white)
| Alcohol licence | Operating permit | Daytime catering | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to midnight | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to midnight | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm |
Is anything changing in your catering business?
If so, you will need a new or updated licence.
Is your corporate form changing?
For example, from a sole proprietorship to a private limited company. Apply for a new licence.
Are you refurbishing or expanding with an additional locality?
For example, an extra upper floor. Report this using the form ‘Application/change for localities/pavement cafes of a catering establishment’ under the heading ‘Pavement cafe licence’ on this page.
You are closing your business
We would like you to let us know within 1 week of closure. Send an email to vergunningen@leeuwarden.nl.
Reporting gatherings of a personal nature
As a para-commercial catering business, you may organise a maximum of 4 gatherings a year. These meetings should be of a personal nature. For example, a wedding, party, reception, anniversary, birthday or condolence gathering. These gatherings are outside the normal activities of your catering business.
How to report?
Submit your online notification no later than 3 weeks before the gathering.
Unwilling or unable to report online?
Download and complete the following form:
Charges
Operating permit
- Application € 639.33.00
- Reporting change of manager € 122.57.00
- Permit change € 122.57.00
Alcohol licence
- Application € 630.59.00
- Reporting change of manager € 122.57.00
- Permit change € 122.57.00
Terrace permit
- Application € 521.50.00
- Permit change € 391.09.00
Is your pavement cafe on municipal land?
If so, a charge is made for this. There are two zones with different prices.
Map showing encroachment licence fee for pavement cafe zone (PDF, 2.25 MB)
- Zone 1 € 43.91 per m2 per year.
- Zone 2 € 12.01 per m2 per year.
Laws and regulations
The following laws can be found on the website Overheid.nl (national):
- Alcohol Act
- Alcohol Decree
- Alcohol scheme
The following regulations can be found on the website Overheid.nl (local):
- General Municipal Ordinance Leeuwarden
- Catering and restaurant policy Leeuwarden
- Cannabis cafe policy Leeuwarden
- Fees ordinance, City of Leeuwarden
- Regulation on encroachment tax City of Leeuwarden
Operating licence or alcohol licence?
Operating licence or alcohol licence?
This depends on whether or not you serve alcohol.
Also see the information under the heading ‘Public Administration (Probity Screening) Act’ (Bibob Act)’.
Operating permit
You need an operating licence if you want to start or take over a catering business in which you do not serve alcohol. Cannabis cafes and takeaways also need an operating licence.
How to apply?
You can apply for an operating permit digitally.
When submitting an application you must add attachments. An overview of this can be found in the information brochure operating permit for starting a catering business. Therefore, first make sure that all attachments are ready before submitting an application. Before submitting an application, first complete the Bibob question form.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the following forms:
- Application for an operating licence for a catering establishment (including cannabis cafes)
- Bibob question form
Applying for or extending a declaration of tolerance?
You need a declaration of tolerance for a coffee shop. Download and complete the form application/extension of declaration of tolerance for coffee shops (PDF, 53.27 KB). It is not possible to submit this declaration of tolerance digitally.
Alcohol licence
You need an alcohol licence if you want to start or take over a catering business in which you do serve alcoholic beverages. Off-licenced premises also need an alcohol licence.
How to apply (commercial catering company or liquor store)?
You can apply for an alcohol licence digitally.
When submitting an application you must add attachments. An overview of this can be found in the information brochure for starting an alcohol license in a catering business (PDF, 2.77 MB) and the information brochure for starting an alcohol license for a liquor store. Therefore, first make sure that all attachments are ready before submitting an application. Before submitting an application, first complete the Bibob question form.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the following forms:
- Application for Alcohol Act licence – model A
- Annex to the Alcohol Act application form
- Bibob question form
How to apply (para-commercial catering establishment)?
You can apply for an alcohol licence digitally.
When submitting an application you must add attachments. An overview of this can be found in the information folder alcohol licence to start a catering business (paracommercial). (PDF, 2.94 MB). Therefore, first make sure that all attachments are ready before submitting an application.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the form:
Terrace permit
Are you taking a terrace cafe into use? If so, you will need a terrace permit. Only catering and restaurant companies are allowed to have a terrace cafe.
How to apply?
When starting a new catering business, you specify in your application that you want a terrace cafe.
Do you already have an alcohol licence or operating licence?
Do you want to expand or reduce the size of the existing terrace cafe? You can submit an application to change the permits digitally.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the form Application/modification of premises/terrace of a catering establishment.
Terrace cafe on your own land?
Do you have an operating licence and is the terrace cafe entirely on your own land? If so, you will not need a terrace cafe licence.
Public Administration (Probity Screening) Act (Wet Bibob)
The Bibob Act ensures that criminal activities are not unwittingly and unknowingly enabled by the local authority. The local authority does not want any unreliable catering entrepreneurs. Only healthy and honest catering establishments.
If you apply for a catering establishment licence (including cannabis cafes), sex work establishment or gambling arcade, you will have to meet the requirements of the Wet Bibob.
Fill in the Wet Bibob questionnaire form
Are you applying for an operating licence or alcohol licence? In that case, also fill in the form Wet Bibob Questionnaire.
Do you have an off-licence or a para-commercial catering business?
If so, you do not need to fill in the Bibob Act questionnaire.
What is done with the Bibob Act questionnaire?
Based on the information you enter in the questionnaire, the local authority will conduct an integrity inquiry into your company and the people associated with it. Does that inquiry reveal that you might use the licence for criminal activities? If so, we will seek advice from the National Bibob Office. That means you will have to wait 8 to 12 weeks longer for your permit.
Are there no doubts about the integrity of the entrepreneur or other people associated with the company? In that case, the licence can be granted.
Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)
Are you applying for an operating licence? If so, you must apply for a VOG as an applicant. This may include several people. For example, in the case of a general partnership.
How to apply?
Collect the form at the Town Hall. Send an email to vergunningen@leeuwarden.nl. Indicate what kind of catering establishment is involved.
Do you want to add an employee to the licence annex?
If so, this employee does not have to apply for a VOG.
Rules for completing the VOG
- The person the VOG is needed for completes the form themselves. This person submits the completed form to their own local authority. Bring a valid proof of identity when submitting the form. A charge is made for applying for a VOG.
- The local authority sends the VOG to the home address of the person who applied for it.
- The applicant must submit the original VOG to the City of Leeuwarden.
Reporting change of manager
Do you already have an alcohol licence or operating licence? If so, you can have a new manager added to the licence annex.
You can immediately report this digitally.
Are you unwilling or unable to apply online?
Download and complete the Management declaration form. Different requirements for the new manager apply for each type of licence
Requirements for a (new) manager for an operating licence
- At least 18 years of age (21 for cannabis cafes).
- No social misconduct. For example, a prison sentence and/or fine.
- Not under administration.
Requirements for a (new) manager with an alcohol licence
- At least 21 years old.
- No social misconduct. For example, a prison sentence and/or fine.
- Not under administration.
- Enrolled in the online Register of Social Hygiene.
When is the employee allowed to work as a new manager?
As soon as we inform you that we have received the ‘Manager’s Statement’ form. Does a notified employee not meet the requirements for a manager? In that case, this employee will not be permitted to work as a manager in the company.
Catering company and restaurant opening hours
The City of Leeuwarden works with different areas. Each of them have their own opening hours.
Schedule of closing times Leeuwarden
Schedule of closing times Grou
For a catering establishment with an alcohol licence or a cannabis cafe, there is a deadline for admitting new customers. From that time onwards, you may not admit any new customers.
The local authority has made an exception for some catering establishments. These are listed in the Leeuwarden Catering Policy. The Leeuwarden Catering Policy can be found under the heading ‘Laws and regulations’ at the bottom of this page.
Area 1 – Red
| Alcohol licence of cannabis cafe | Operating permit | Daytime catering and takeaway companies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5am | Monday to Sunday from 7am to 10pm |
| No new customers admitted after | 3am | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Catering company must be closed and vacated | 5am | 5am | 10pm |
Area 2 – Pink
| Alcohol licence of cannabis cafe | Operating permit | Daytime catering and takeaway companies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 3am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 3am | Monday to Sunday from 7am to 10pm |
| No new customers admitted after | 2am | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Catering company must be closed and vacated | 3am | 3am | 10pm |
Area 3 – white
| Alcohol licence of cannabis cafe | Operating permit | Daytime catering and takeaway companies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 1am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 1am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm |
| No new customers admitted after | 0.00am | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Catering company must be closed and vacated | 1am | 1am | 10pm |
Opening hours for pavement cafes
Do you have a pavement cafe licence? If so, separate opening hours apply.
Cannabis cafes and takeaways are not allowed to have pavement cafes.
Schedule of closing times Leeuwarden
Schedule of closing times Grou
Area 1 (red) and area 2 (pink)
| Alcohol licence | Operating permit | Daytime catering | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours* | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 1 am | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 1 am | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm |
* A different closing time applies in the months of June to September. On the night of Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday, the closing time is 2 am.
Area 3 (white)
| Alcohol licence | Operating permit | Daytime catering | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to midnight | Monday to Sunday from 8 am to midnight | Monday to Sunday from 8am to 10pm |
Is anything changing in your catering business?
If so, you will need a new or updated licence.
Is your corporate form changing?
For example, from a sole proprietorship to a private limited company. Apply for a new licence.
Are you refurbishing or expanding with an additional locality?
For example, an extra upper floor. Report this using the form ‘Application/change for localities/pavement cafes of a catering establishment’ under the heading ‘Pavement cafe licence’ on this page.
You are closing your business
We would like you to let us know within 1 week of closure. Send an email to vergunningen@leeuwarden.nl.
Reporting gatherings of a personal nature
As a para-commercial catering business, you may organise a maximum of 4 gatherings a year. These meetings should be of a personal nature. For example, a wedding, party, reception, anniversary, birthday or condolence gathering. These gatherings are outside the normal activities of your catering business.
How to report?
Submit your online notification no later than 3 weeks before the gathering.
Unwilling or unable to report online?
Download and complete the following form:
Charges
Operating permit
- Application € 639.33.00
- Reporting change of manager € 122.57.00
- Permit change € 122.57.00
Alcohol licence
- Application € 630.59.00
- Reporting change of manager € 122.57.00
- Permit change € 122.57.00
Terrace permit
- Application € 521.50.00
- Permit change € 391.09.00
Is your pavement cafe on municipal land?
If so, a charge is made for this. There are two zones with different prices.
Map showing encroachment licence fee for pavement cafe zone (PDF, 2.25 MB)
- Zone 1 € 43.91 per m2 per year.
- Zone 2 € 12.01 per m2 per year.
Laws and regulations
The following laws can be found on the website Overheid.nl (national):
- Alcohol Act
- Alcohol Decree
- Alcohol scheme
The following regulations can be found on the website Overheid.nl (local):
- General Municipal Ordinance Leeuwarden
- Catering and restaurant policy Leeuwarden
- Cannabis cafe policy Leeuwarden
- Fees ordinance, City of Leeuwarden
- Regulation on encroachment tax City of Leeuwarden