Serveringsbevilling
Serveringsbevilling: who needs it, and how do you apply?
Planning to run a restaurant, bar or café? Find out who applies for a serveringsbevilling, what the general manager must document and how to prepare your application.
By TestPrep · 3 min read
When do you need a serveringsbevilling?
As a general rule, establishments that provide for eating or drinking on the premises need a serveringsbevilling. The permit applies to the business and is issued by the municipality where the establishment is located. Describe your concept to the municipality if you are unsure whether serveringsloven applies. A serveringsbevilling does not in itself give you the right to serve alcohol.
Who applies, and who takes Etablererprøven?
The person or entity that will operate the establishment applies for the licence. If the applicant is a company, the application must identify the company and the relevant ownership and responsibility arrangements. The establishment’s general manager must normally have passed Etablererprøven. Not all employees or owners are automatically required to take the exam. Clarify the roles before booking courses or registering.
Documentation before submitting your application
Altinn lists proof that the general manager has passed Etablererprøven, a tax certificate and ownership information among the relevant attachments. The municipality may request additional information about financing, budgets and premises. Create an overview showing each document, the person responsible and what is missing. Always use the municipality’s current list of required attachments rather than assuming that a general list is complete.
Application and assessment by the municipality
Submit the application to the municipality where the establishment will be located. The municipality assesses the requirements under serveringsloven, including those relating to the general manager and good conduct, and may request supplementary documentation. Passing the exam is not the same as being granted a licence. Wait to start operating until the necessary permits have been clarified, and ask the municipality about processing times and what applies to your business.
Are you taking over an existing food or drink establishment?
Do not assume that the previous operator’s permits automatically transfer when you take over the restaurant. Oslo kommune states that a new operator must apply for a serveringsbevilling, and describes specific conditions for continuing to operate under the previous licence during a transitional period. This is a local example, not a general permission to start operating. Clarify the applicant, takeover date and any transitional arrangements with your municipality. Skjenkebevilling must be assessed separately.
Exams, food business registration and alcohol are separate tasks
A restaurant may need a serveringsbevilling, registration with Mattilsynet and a skjenkebevilling. Etablererprøven documents the general manager’s knowledge, while Kunnskapsprøven for serving alcohol applies to the styrer and stedfortreder for the alcohol licence. TestPrep helps you practise for the exams. The municipality and Mattilsynet handle their respective areas; the course is not official approval.
Sources and official information
The information is based on official sources. Information from Oslo is used as local examples. Always check current requirements, fees and application procedures with your own municipality and the relevant authority.