In Schedule 1 (licensing: further provisions as to the general system), after paragraph 18 insert—

“Power to make provision about hearings

18A

(1)

The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision as to the procedure to be followed at, or in connection with, any hearing to be held by a licensing authority under this Schedule.

(2)

Regulations under this paragraph may, in particular, make provision—

(a)

for notice of the hearing to be given to such persons as may be prescribed in the regulations,

(b)

about the rules of evidence which are to apply for the purposes of the hearing,

(c)

about the representation of any party at the hearing,

(d)

as to the times by which any step in the procedure must be taken, and

(e)

as to liability for expenses.

(3)

Regulations under this paragraph may make different provision for different purposes including, in particular, different types of licence.

(4)

Regulations under this paragraph are subject to the negative procedure.”.

In Schedule 2 (control of sex shops and sexual entertainment venues), after paragraph 24 insert—

“Power to make provision about hearings

24A

(1)

The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision as to the procedure to be followed at, or in connection with, any hearing to be held by a local authority under this Schedule.

(2)

Regulations under this paragraph may, in particular, make provision—

(a)

for notice of the hearing to be given to such persons as may be prescribed in the regulations,

(b)

about the rules of evidence which are to apply for the purposes of the hearing,

(c)

about the representation of any party at the hearing,

(d)

as to the times by which any step in the procedure must be taken, and

(e)

as to liability for expenses.

(3)

Regulations under this paragraph may make different provision for different purposes, including, in particular, different types of licence.

(4)

Regulations under this paragraph are subject to the negative procedure.”.