Discounts on alcohol
What the rules in Amsterdam say about price promotions with alcohol, and what that means for your deals on Gotu.
This is a translation. If the English and the Dutch text differ, the Dutch version prevails.
The rule in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam you may not serve alcohol for consumption on the premises for less than 60% of the price you normally charge, if that lower price applies for 24 hours or less. Put differently: at most 40% discount on drinks. This is in article 3.16A of the General Local Bylaw (APV) and has applied across the whole city, for the venue and the terrace, since 25 May 2023. The municipality bases it on article 25d of the Alcohol Act. "Two for the price of one" is explicitly named by the municipality as a prohibited promotion.
The rule is about the price of the drink itself. A discount on food, coffee or soft drinks is not covered: you can give as much discount on those as you like.
Examples
| Promotion | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| 25% off all wines from 17:00 to 19:00 | Yes, 25% is less than 40%. |
| Draught beer at half price | No, that is 50% off drinks. |
| Second cocktail free | No, this is "two for the price of one". |
| 50% off bar snacks with your drink | Yes, the discount is on the food. |
| 50% off the whole bill, alcohol excluded | Yes, choose "Does not apply to alcohol" on your deal; guests see this on the deal. |
| 50% off the whole bill, including drinks | On the drinks on that bill this is 50% off, so according to the text of the rule it is not allowed. |
Packages and discount on the whole bill
The text of article 3.16A makes no exception for packages, menus or an evening with food and drinks. What counts is whether the drink itself ends up below 60% of the normal price. With a package at one fixed price (for example a menu with a glass of wine) this is less clear, because the drink has no price of its own. If in doubt, make sure the discount is on the food, choose "Does not apply to alcohol", or check with the municipality of Amsterdam before you publish the deal.
Gotu is not a legal adviser. This page helps you find the rule; you, as the business owner, are responsible for your prices and for what you serve, also with a deal on Gotu. A violation can result in a fine or the closure of your venue.
What Gotu does
If you make a deal with more than 40% discount on drinks, or with more than 40% discount on the whole bill without "Does not apply to alcohol", we show a clear warning with a link to this page. You can still publish the deal afterwards; you then confirm that you have read the warning. Gotu is only for guests aged 18 and over.
Do you have a venue outside Amsterdam? Other municipalities may have their own rule, or none. Check the APV or the alcohol and hospitality bylaw of your municipality.
Sources
- Municipal Gazette Amsterdam 2023, 218382: the current text of article 3.16A APV, with explanation (Dutch).
- General Local Bylaw Amsterdam (current version, Dutch).
- Alcohol Act, article 25d (Dutch).
Last checked on 14 October 2026. Questions? Email support@gotu.world.