Looking to open a coffeeshop in Amsterdam? You cannot apply for a new Amsterdam coffee shop license; the city maintains a cap and only allows operation via takeover of an existing licensed premises, subject to a full re-application and municipal approval. You’ll need an exploitation permit (exploitatievergunning) under the APV and a municipal gedoogbesluit (tolerance decision) specifically authorizing cannabis retail. The city will conduct a Bibob integrity screening of UBOs, financing, lease, and supply chain. The location must meet zoning and distance-from-schools (250 m secondary schools) and area policies. AHOJ-G compliance is mandatory: no Advertising, no Hard drugs, no Nuisance, no sale to Minors, max 5 g per customer per day; max 500 g on-site stock; no alcohol; tobacco-smoking rooms prohibited; clear ID check. Opening hours are set per permit and strictly enforced; noise, queues, and odors must be actively managed via a security plan, CCTV, door policy, and incident logs. Prepare SOPs for age verification, cash handling, stock auditing, and neighbor complaints. Expect police, municipal, and tax inspections; violations trigger closure and potential revocation. Practical path: source a takeover candidate, secure landlord consent, gather clean financing, pre-consult the stadsdeel, and plan 6–12 months for approvals. Allow time for renovations.
