Algemene plaatselijke verordening (APV) Meppel 2026 – Municipal Public Order Ordinance
The Algemene plaatselijke verordening gemeente Meppel (APV) is the primary local regulatory framework established by the Municipal Council of Meppel, Netherlands. Valid from January 1, 2026, this ordinance functions as a statutory code governing public order, safety, health, and environmental protection within the municipal boundaries. It is enacted based on authorities granted under the Gemeentewet (Municipalities Act) and integrates regulations from the Alcoholwet (Alcohol Act), Wegenverkeerswet 1994 (Road Traffic Act), and the Winkeltijdenwet (Shop Opening Hours Act).
The document is structured into six chapters and accompanying annexes, covering administrative procedures for permits and exemptions, regulations for events, supervision of public establishments (catering and retail), and the management of the sex industry. It defines critical legal terms such as bebouwde kom (built-up area), openbaar water (public water), and handelsreclame (commercial advertising). Specific sections address the prevention of nuisance, including dog ownership responsibilities, carbid shooting during the new year, and the regulation of paracommercial legal entities.
This ordinance replaces the previous Algemene plaatselijke verordening Meppel 2011 and the Drank- en Horecaverordening 2014. It provides the legal basis for municipal enforcement and the specific powers granted to the Mayor regarding safety risk zones and camera surveillance.
Permit and Exemption Procedures
Chapter 1 establishes the administrative standards for all permits and exemptions requested under this ordinance. The competent authority is required to decide on applications within set timeframes and may attach specific conditions to protect public interests.
- Decision Period: A decision must be rendered within eight weeks of receiving the application, with a possible extension of up to eight weeks (Artikel 1:2).
- Refusal Grounds: Permits may be denied to protect public order, public safety, public health, or the environment (Artikel 1:8).
- Personal Nature: Unless otherwise specified, permits and exemptions are personal and non-transferable (Artikel 1:5).
- Withdrawal: The authority may revoke a permit if incorrect data was provided, circumstances have changed, or attached regulations are not met (Artikel 1:6).
Events and Public Space Usage
Regulations for public events differentiate between small-scale gatherings and those requiring a full permit from the Mayor. Specific criteria determine whether an activity qualifies as a klein evenement (small event).
- Small Event Criteria: Maximum of 100 attendees, occurring between 08:00 and 23:00, with no music outside these hours and no obstruction to traffic or emergency services (Artikel 2:24).
- Notification Requirement: Organizers of small events must notify the Mayor at least 10 workdays in advance (Artikel 2:25).
- Demonstrations: Notifications for public demonstrations must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours prior to the start (Artikel 2:3).
Hospitality and Alcohol Regulation
The ordinance governs the operation of openbare inrichtingen, which include hotels, restaurants, cafes, and clubhouses. Operating licenses are mandatory, and strict rules apply to the sale of alcohol by paracommercial organizations and during events.
- Standard Closing Times: Establishments must remain closed between 24:00 and 06:00 daily, though the Mayor may deviate from this in specific licenses (Artikel 2:29).
- Paracommercial Hours: Sports or recreational organizations may only serve alcohol between 17:00 and 23:00 on weekdays, from 15:00 on Saturdays, and from 12:00 on Sundays (Artikel 2:34b).
- Price Actions: Happy hours or price promotions where alcohol is sold for less than 60% of the regular price for periods of 24 hours or less are prohibited (Artikel 2:34f).
Public Order and Nuisance Prevention
Chapter 2 details measures to prevent nuisance and ensure safety in public areas, covering topics from dangerous objects to animal control.
- Dog Control: Dogs must be leashed within the built-up area and are prohibited from playgrounds and sandboxes. Owners must immediately remove dog excrement (Artikel 2:57, 2:58).
- Carbid Shooting: Generally prohibited, but permitted on December 31 between 10:00 and 18:00 under strict conditions, including a 75-meter minimum distance from residential buildings (Artikel 2:73a).
- Public Drinking: The municipality may designate areas where consuming alcohol or carrying opened containers is prohibited for persons over 18 (Artikel 2:48).
Regulation of the Sex Industry
The ordinance provides a licensing system for sex businesses and prostitution, limiting the number of permits and defining allowed locations through spatial maps.
- Licensing: Operating a sex business requires a permit valid for five years, which may be extended once for another five years (Artikel 3:3).
- Maximum Permits: A maximum of three permits may be issued for prostitution businesses within the municipality (Artikel 3:5).
- Age Limits: Prostitution is only permitted for individuals aged 21 or older (Artikel 3:14).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Municipality of Meppel have to decide on a permit application?
The competent authority must decide within eight weeks of receiving the application, although this period may be extended once by a maximum of eight weeks.
What are the requirements for a small event in Meppel to be permit-free?
A small event must have fewer than 100 attendees, occur between 08:00 and 23:00, involve no music outside those hours, use objects smaller than 25 square meters, and be reported to the Mayor 10 workdays in advance.
Are dogs allowed to run off-leash in Meppel?
No, dogs must be kept on a leash within the built-up area (bebouwde kom) and on other specifically designated sites, except for areas explicitly marked as off-leash zones by the college.
When is carbid shooting allowed in Meppel?
Carbid shooting is only permitted on December 31 from 10:00 to 18:00, provided a notification is made two weeks in advance and the shooting occurs at least 75 meters from residential housing.
What are the standard closing hours for catering establishments in Meppel?
Public establishments must generally remain closed between 24:00 and 06:00, unless the Mayor has specified different hours in the operator's permit.
What is the minimum age for prostitutes in Meppel?
According to Artikel 3:14, prostitution may only be performed by persons who have reached the age of 21.
Can the Mayor designate areas for camera surveillance?
Yes, under Artikel 2:77, the Mayor may decide to place cameras for a specified duration to monitor public places in the interest of public order.
Is it legal to sleep in a vehicle on public roads in Meppel?
It is prohibited to use a vehicle, tent, or caravan as a sleeping place on public roads between sunset and sunrise in areas designated by the college, or if it causes a nuisance.
