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Opening a Restaurant

Do you want to open a restaurant on Bonaire? If so, you’ll need to comply with regulations and obtain permits. The Public Entity of Bonaire will help you get your business started.

What does this product or service mean?

What should you pay attention to?

You may not open a restaurant until you have obtained all the necessary permits.
Make sure your Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is no older than 3 months at the time of application.

A restaurant is a business where you sell food and beverages for on-site consumption.
The food is prepared in a kitchen located on the premises.

To open a restaurant, you need one or more permits.

The most important ones are:

  • a businessestablishment permit
  • a liquor and hospitality permit

With these permits, you may open and operate your restaurant.

When can you apply for this?

You must meet the following requirements:

  • You are registered with the Chamber of Commerce
  • You have a valid Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)
  • Your location is safe and clean
  • You comply with hygiene and safety regulations
  • You use the premises solely for the purpose specified in the permit

How do you apply for this?

Here’s how to open a restaurant on Bonaire:

  1. Register your business with the Chamber of Commerce
  2. Apply for a business establishment permit
  3. After approval, apply for a liquor and food service permit
  4. Your application will be reviewed by:
  • the police
  • the fire department
  • supervision and enforcement

   5. If the review is positive, you will receive the permit

Only then may you open your restaurant.

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?

Processing a business establishment permit takes up to 8 weeks.
After that, you can apply for the liquor and hospitality permits.

What does it cost?

The costs of opening a restaurant depend on which permits you apply for.

Do you disagree with the decision?

Do you disagree with the decision?
If so, you may file an objection. The decision will specify how to do this and within what timeframe.
After filing an objection, you may, if necessary, file an appeal.

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.
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