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Which VAT rate applies to selling food and drinks at your event in Belgium?

Belgium applies different VAT rates for the sale of drinks and food (food and beverages or F&B for short), depending on the type of product and the context in which they are sold. At events such as festivals, pop-up bars, summer bars, and sports events, these rates can vary between 6%, 12%, and 21%. Please note: the VAT rates in the Netherlands and Belgium are different.

Standard VAT rate of 21%

The standard VAT rate in Belgium is 21%. Selling food and drinks at events for on-site consumption generally falls under this standard VAT rate, but there are some important exceptions.

For example, all alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails always fall under the standard rate of 21%. All non-alcoholic drinks consumed on-site also follow this rate. Additionally, ready-to-eat snacks such as crisps, sausages, or sugar waffles, and other food products without further preparation, are subject to 21% VAT when sold as pure merchandise on the premises.

Reduced VAT rate of 12%

A reduced VAT rate of 12% applies to restaurant and catering services. When you sell a meal at an event that is prepared on-site and consumed on-site by the visitor (for example, at food trucks or central dining areas with tables and chairs), the VAT on that food is 12%. This rate is specifically intended for the restaurant service, excluding beverages.

Reduced VAT rate of 6%

The reduced VAT rate of 6% may apply to basic foodstuffs and non-alcoholic beverages, provided there is a pure delivery without restaurant or catering services. This rate applies when products are not prepared on-site and are explicitly sold as take-away or for consumption outside the event premises.

Additionally, admission tickets for music festivals and cultural events also fall under the reduced VAT rate of 6%. With Beyond Ordering's cashless solutions, you can not only offer food and drinks, but also easily sell and scan admission tickets at the entrance.

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Set the correct VAT rate per product on your price list

When creating your price lists in the Beyond Ordering dashboard, you can set the price including VAT for each individual product, as well as the specific VAT percentage that applies.  

It is very important to strictly apply the above rules when configuring your sales channels. When correctly configured, the VAT breakdown is immediately included live in the cloud reporting. This eliminates any administrative errors and ensures you're never caught off guard during a potential tax audit.  

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