136Fees
(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for the charging of fees by Licensing Boards—
(a)in respect of applications under this Act, and
(b)otherwise in respect of the performance of functions by Licensing Boards, councils and Licensing Standards Officers under this Act.
(2)Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular—
(a)specify fees or provide for them to be determined by reference to such factors as may be specified in or determined under the regulations,
(b)provide for annual or other recurring fees,
(c)provide for the remission or repayment of fees in such circumstances as may be specified in or determined under the regulations.
(3)Before making any regulations under subsection (1) (other than regulations consolidating other regulations), the Scottish Ministers must consult—
(a)such body or bodies as appear to them to be representative of the interests of—
(i)Licensing Boards,
(ii)councils, and
(iii)those likely to be affected by the regulations, and
(b)such other persons (if any) as they think appropriate.
(4)Where regulations under subsection (1) provide for a fee to be charged in respect of any application made to a Licensing Board under this Act, the Board need not consider the application unless and until the fee is paid.
(5)Any fee chargeable by a Licensing Board under any regulations made under subsection (1) is to be paid to the clerk of the Board.
(6)The clerk of a Licensing Board must pay any sums received under subsection (5) to the relevant council.