Operating permit for a catering establishment

If you are setting up or taking over a catering establishment in the Netherlands, certain municipalities require you to hold an operating permit for a catering establishment. The conditions attached to this permit are related to public order, safety and decency in the vicinity of your establishment. These conditions are set out in the General Municipal Bye-Laws (APV). The management must fulfil these conditions. In addition, the municipal authority may ask you to complete a form under the Public Administration (Probity Screening) Act (known as a ‘BIBOB form’).

Changes to your catering establishment

You will have to change your operating permit or apply for a new one if:

• the legal form of your business changes;
• you intend to carry out new activities;
• you intend to extend the building;
• you intend to operate or extend an outdoor pavement area as part of the establishment;
• you hire other managers.

Online application procedure via Message Box

You can apply for and amend the catering business operating permit also online via Message Box.