Providing alcohol temporarily

Catering establishments are allowed to serve and sell alcohol on the premises and terrace. When do you need an exemption? You organize an event and serve and sell alcohol. But also when others organize an event and you are part of the event area.  

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Approach

This is how you apply for an exemption for the temporary serving of alcohol:

  • You make your application to the municipality.
  • You pass on:
    • Where, when and at what time you want to serve alcohol temporarily
    • the details of the persons who will be serving alcohol
    • the details of the manager

Please note that you may also need an event permit.

For more information on organizing an event, check out: Notification or permit organizing event. 

Cost

Rate 2025

  • €61 for a temporary exemption

Description

It is prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages outside your catering establishment. You can apply for an exemption for special events. For example with King's Day. This allows you to temporarily sell weak alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.

You can get a waiver for up to 12 consecutive days.

Requirements

The Requirements To apply for an exemption for the temporary serving of alcohol:

  • You may only serve weak alcoholic beverages (alcohol content below 15%).
  • The serving of alcohol shall only be under the direction of a person who:
    • is at least 21 years old
    • is not of bad behavior (e.g., has not been in jail)
  • You hold a hospitality diploma;
  • Or you have a certificate of social hygiene. 

Term

The municipality decides within 4 weeks of receiving your application. The municipality may extend this period once.

Objection and appeal

You can object to the decision on your application. Do this within 6 weeks. Do you then disagree with the decision on the objection? Then file an appeal with the court.

Learn more

More information on Rijksoverheid .nl

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