An operating permit is necessary to open and exploit a catering company, such as a coffee shop. For example, the municipality looks at the location, public order, safety and suitability of the entrepreneur.
The tolerance means that the mayor allows soft drugs to be sold in the coffee shop, under strict conditions. Although the possession and sale of soft drugs are formally punishable, this is tolerated under certain conditions according to the national tolerance policy. This includes rules such as no sale to minors, no nuisance, no sale of hard drugs and a maximum trade stock.