BACKGROUND PER DOSSIER
Chronology, case law, the VNG guidance and our conclusion — in continuous text, arranged chronologically.
These articles explain, per dossier, how the policy developed, what the case law actually says and what conclusion the BCD draws from it. They are ordered by substantive chronology, not by publication date.
Sector and professionalisation · September 2025
HOP — Hospitality Development Platform: professionalising the sector
What the Hospitality Development Platform does, how it relates to the BCD, and why professionalisation is the starting point.
Certification and self-regulation · November 2025
Coffeeshop Quality Mark: from self-regulation to testable certification
How the Coffeeshop Quality Mark is built, what standards apply, and why certification changes the conversation with municipalities.
Integrity and legal protection · January 2026
The Bibob Act and coffeeshops: procedure, legal protection and our conclusion
How the Bibob integrity screening works for coffeeshops, where legal protection falls short, and what a fair integrity check requires.
Enforcement and access · February 2026
The residence criterion: chronology, case law and why enforcement is the crux
From Josémans to current municipal practice: how the residence criterion works, what the case law permits and where enforcement runs into trouble.
Licensing and municipal policy · April 2026
Scarce licences and coffeeshops: chronology, case law and our conclusion
How the debate on capping coffeeshop numbers developed, what the case law actually says, and why setting standards is the stronger route.
Regulation and the cannabis experiment · April 2026
Closed coffeeshop chain experiment: chronology, rules and what happens after the experimental phase
The full chronology of the cannabis experiment: phasing, ten municipalities, ten growers, oversight and what happens after the experimental phase.
Banking relationships and payments · June 2026
Coffeeshops and payment services: the chronology of de-risking and the loss of Worldline
How coffeeshops lost their banking relationships and card-payment facilities, what procedures followed, and what workable payment services require.