Opening a Bar

Do you want to open a bar on Bonaire? If so, you’ll need to follow several steps and apply for permits. On this page, you can read about which permits you need and how to apply for them.

What does this product or service mean?

What should you pay attention to?

You cannot simply open a bar.
To sell alcohol, you must first obtain a license.
You may not sell alcohol without a license. Doing so may result in a fine or the closure of your bar.

Also, make sure your Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is no older than three months when you apply for the license.

A bar is a hospitality establishment where you sell beverages to customers. This includes:

the sale of spirits, for consumption on the premises or to go
the sale of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages
the sale of ice cream or similar products for consumption on the premises

To do this, you need a liquor and hospitality license.

When can you apply for this?

You may open a bar if:

you have a business location permit
you apply for and are granted a liquor and hospitality license
your Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is no older than three months
the location is suitable for a bar
you comply with the rules regarding bar cleanliness, safety, and public order

If any of the relevant authorities issues a negative recommendation, the license may be denied.

How do you apply for this?

Here’s how to open a bar on Bonaire:

Establish your business (through a notary, except for sole proprietorships).
Register your business with the Bonaire Chamber of Commerce.
Apply for a business establishment permit from the Spatial Planning and Development Directorate (R&O), Implementation Department.
After receiving the business establishment permit, apply for a liquor and hospitality license.
Your application will be reviewed. During this process, advice is sought from the police, the fire department, and the Supervision & Enforcement Directorate.
You will be notified whether your license has been granted.

Who can you contact?

Directorate of Spatial Planning and Development (R&O)
Address: Kaya Amsterdam n/n
Telephone: (+599) 715 5330
Email: directie_ro@bonairegov.com

Opening hours
Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

How long does it take?

The business establishment permit will be processed within 8 weeks.
If no decision is made within this timeframe, the license may be granted by operation of law.

The processing time for the liquor and hospitality license depends on the recommendations of the relevant authorities.

What does it cost?

The costs of opening a bar depend on which licenses you apply for.

Do you disagree with the decision?

Do you disagree with a decision?
You may file an objection. The letter containing the decision explains how to file an objection and within what timeframe.

What do we do with your personal data?

When you submit an application or report, the Public Entity of Bonaire needs your personal data. The Public Entity of Bonaire handles your data with care.

The BES Personal Data Protection Act specifies how the Public Entity of Bonaire must do this.

The most important rules are:

The Public Entity of Bonaire only requests data that is necessary for processing your application or report.
They record and process your data securely, confidentially, and with care
Your data will only be used for the application or report, or for something directly related to it.
Your data will not be retained longer than necessary for the application or report.
Other organizations will only receive your data if required by law.
You may ask how your data is being used and what happens to it.