EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Horeca1 programme enables entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector to start a new business more easily

Horeca1 programme enables entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector to start a new business more easily

Introduction

For entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector in The Netherlands, there are many different rules when it comes to setting up a new business. The application for all kinds of licenses and other complicated administrative procedures make it difficult for entrepreneurs to get started. Local municipalities are partly responsible for the distribution of permits, but also institutions like the Chamber of Commerce and the tax authorities are involved. The Economic Development Department of the City of Amsterdam has started the 'Horeca1' (abbreviation of hotel/restaurant/cafe) project in order to simplify the application process for entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector. By using one digital form available on the municipality's website, they can apply for at least seven different licenses and dispensations.

Problem

How to simplify the administrative procedures for entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector who want to start their own businesses?

Description

For a bar, hotel or a restaurant in Amsterdam, one needs to obtain licences and dispensations from more than eighteen different authorities, creating a difficult obstacle for those setting up their own business. Through the HoReCa1 one-stop-shop, an entrepreneur can easily find out which selection of fourty governmental documents has to be obtained through answering twenty questions and filling out one single form for seven local licences of the City of Amsterdam. At the national level, the reduction possibilities are up to € 30.2 million a year for both the administrative costs and burdens.

The City of Amsterdam emphasises the need for procedural simplification. The local government aims at improving its service provision through a multi-channel approach to citizens and businesses. Being a pioneer within this field, Amsterdam is setting the example and changing contextual conditions at the national level, in cooperation with four national Ministries.

Results

In September 2007, the Horeca1 project won the 2007 European Government Award in the 'better public services for growth and jobs' category.

Contact info

City of Amsterdam - Economic Development Department
Maurice van Erven (Manager Horeca1), tel. +31-20-552 27 37

Project start date

/01/2006

Links

Click here for more information and to view a demonstration of the Horeca1 programme

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Keywords

Digital services