Opening coffee shop

Do you want to start a coffee shop? There are strict Requirements for this. These can be found in an operating license and a permit. You can apply for these at the municipality.

Approach

The mayor announces in the Municipal Gazette of Heerlen when a coffee shop license becomes available.
In that announcement, we also give the information about the application procedure. 

Cost

Rates 2025

  • € 1674.10 for a Smart and Headshop
  • €1,697.60 for a coffee shop

Description

In Heerlen, there is room for up to two coffee shops. These two places are already occupied. We are not taking applications at this time.

Requirements

You are applying for a non-alcoholic coffeeshop operating license with a permit to sell hemp and hashish. Heerlen participates in the Experiment closed coffeeshop chain. Only regulated hemp and hashish from growers designated by the Minister may be sold in the coffeeshop and under strict Requirements.

Term

The municipality will decide on your application within 8 weeks of receipt. This period may be extended once.

We consider the content of the application in order of drawing lots. You must take into account the performance of a Bibob investigation

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

Information about coffee shops on the Entrepreneurs' Square

Or are you looking for?

Bibob investigation