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Public order and safety (General Municipal By-law)

In Dutch municipalities, you will have to observe the General Municipal Bye-Law (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, APV). The General Municipal Bye-law lays down the municipal regulations with respect to public order and safety. Every municipal authority has its own APV, which is often made available via the municipal website. The APV applies to everyone who resides in the municipality.

Read more about regulations regarding the:

Regulations for the retail sector

The following issues referred to in the APV apply to the retail sector:

  • Waste bins for food and drink
  • Usability of public roads
  • Opening and closing times
  • Noise pollution
  • Advertising and pamphlets
  • Work locations
  • Supervision of events
  • Shop displays
  • Shopping trolleys

Regulations for the hotel and catering sector

The following issues referred to in the APV apply to the hotel and catering sector:

  • General regulations on permits and dispensations
  • Performances on the road (e.g. parties, music, competitions or street artists)
  • Usability of public roads
  • Supervision of events
  • Supervision of catering establishments
  • Supervision of overnight accommodation
  • Supervision of gambling venues
  • Opening and closing times
  • Location of a terrace
  • Nuisance and rowdiness
  • Trade in a hotel and catering establishment
  • Noise and light nuisance (e.g. parties)
  • Waste bins for food and drink
  • Advertising and pamphlets
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