When can the Council refuse a licence application?
Legislation sets out the grounds on which an application must be refused, and these are summarised below.
Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982:
- If it considers the applicant or anyone else on the application not to be a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
- If it considers that the activity would actually be carried out by a person who is not the applicant, and if that person had applied he would have been refused.
Where the application relates to premises, a vehicle or a vessel that are not suitable for the activity, because of:
- The location, character or condition of the premises or the character and condition of the vehicle or vessel.
- The nature and extent of the proposed activity.
- The kind of persons likely to be in the premises, vehicle or vessel.
- The possibility of undue public nuisance, public order or public safety.
- Where there is other good reason – usually meaning that it is at odds with a licensing policy agreed by the council.
Housing (Scotland) Act 2006:
- If it considers that the applicant or anyone else on the application is not a fit and proper person to operate a House in Multiple Occupation.
- If the applicant or agent is disqualified from holding a licence or acting as agent for a licence holder.
- If it considers that the property is unsuitable for use as a House in Multiple Occupation or could not be made suitable by including conditions in the licence.