Where an applicant for the variation of an operator’s licence under section 68 of this Act so requests, the licensing authority may, before he has determined the application, vary the licence by giving an interim direction in respect of it.

An interim direction is a direction under section 68(1) of this Act that is expressed to continue in force until it ceases to have effect under subsection (3) or (4) of this section.

If on determining the application the licensing authority varies the licence by giving a direction in the terms applied for (and does not also under section 64B(1) or (2) or 69C(1) or (3) of this Act attach or vary any conditions), the interim direction shall cease to have effect on the date on which the direction given on the application comes into force.

If subsection (3) of this section does not apply, the interim direction shall cease to have effect on the date on which the application is finally disposed of or such earlier date as the applicant may specify in a written request to the licensing authority.

In a case within subsection (4) of this section where on determining the application the licensing authority gives a direction varying the licence, that direction shall be of no effect before the interim direction ceases to have effect.

A request for an interim direction to be given shall not for the purposes of section 68(4) or 70 of, or Schedule 8A to, this Act be treated as an application for the variation of an operator’s licence, but shall be treated as such an application for any other purposes of this Part of this Act.