LICENCE HEARINGS
Hearings before local authorities take different forms, depending on the type of licence being considered.
Those licences that are issued under the Gambling Act or Licensing Act follow guidelines that have been set down in law, but for other licences the procedure may be different.
Some local authorities run hearings in a similar way to court proceedings, which can be a good idea especially as appeals will be heard in a magistrate's court. Others can be more informal and it is best to check in advance what type of hearing that you are going to.
The common format is that the Council Officer will present a report and that the applicant will then outline their point of view, followed by questions from anyone present. Anyone objecting to the application will then go next (this could be the licensee if the application is for a review) and likewise be asked questions. Both sides normally have the opportunity to sum up before the councillors make their decision.
Because it is possible to appeal a decision if the proper procedure is not followed, it is a good idea to seek legal representation. With Licensing Act or Gambling Act matters, anyone present at the hearing can appeal, so even if you get the decision that you want, it is possible that you could still end up in court.
