Hospitality operations permit

For who?

• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Pick-up services with seats, such as a chip shop, kebab shop or sandwich shop (if there are no seats, it is considered a shop)

Two types of permits

The type of permit you need depends on the opening hours.

• Standard permit
  This allows you to open your hospitality business from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Extended permit
  This allows your hospitality business to be open 24 hours a day. You will only receive this permit after a study has been conducted and if the police give a positive recommendation.

When do you apply?

• At least 60 days before opening.
• In the case of a pop-up, at least 30 days before opening.

How do you apply?

Submit your application

1. You will need:
   • A copy of the identity card of the operator(s) or manager(s)
   • A copy of an extract from the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises
   • A copy of the articles of association as published in the Belgian Official Gazette (if applicable)
   • An extract from the criminal record of the operator(s) or manager(s)
   • Application for an environmental permit (if necessary) (Dutch only)
2. Submit your request to the Leuven police hospitality unit:

Completing your file (during the application or later)

Your application will only be approved once your file is complete. This means that you can present the following documents:

• Environmental permit (if necessary)
• Copy of your Objective Civil Liability (OBA) insurance certificate (Dutch only) if the surface area of your business with a terrace is greater than 50 m²
• Favourable fire safety report (Dutch only)
• Proof of the hygiene inspection (Dutch only) (if necessary)
• Alcohol permit (if necessary)

Decision

The mayor takes a decision once all the steps have been completed.

If your application is approved, you will receive the operating permit within 60 days. In some cases this can be done more quickly (if the administrative matters and checks are already in order).

Cost

Free of charge.

How long is the permit valid?

• It is valid once it is signed by the mayor. He or she may impose special conditions or time restrictions.
• It is valid as long as the business meets all the conditions of the police regulations and of the permit.

The operating permit expires:

• In the event of a new hospitality business
• If the hospitality business is taken over
• In the case of a temporary permit: when the term expires

How do you extend a permit?

Anyone wishing to apply for an extension for a temporary operating permit must apply again.
For example, if you want to turn a pop-up business into a permanent one.

Regulations

You can read more information summarised in the police regulations or in the brochure 'Glashelder’ (Crystal Clear) (Dutch only):