Temporary Alcohol License for Events

For temporary alcohol service at events such as festivals, club celebrations, or Christmas markets, you can obtain a temporary license (vorübergehende Gestattung). In states that still follow the federal Restaurant Act (GastG), this is governed by Section 12 GastG. However, several states have enacted their own restaurant legislation with equivalent provisions, so the exact legal basis varies by state.

The temporary license replaces the full restaurant license for time-limited occasions. You typically need to apply at the local regulatory office (Ordnungsamt) several weeks before the event, providing details about the venue, duration, and type of beverages. The authority may impose conditions regarding noise, hygiene, and closing times.