18Refusal of licence
(1)The council may refuse to grant, renew or transfer a near beer licence on any of the following grounds:—
(a)the premises are not structurally suitable for the purpose;
(b)there is a likelihood of nuisance being caused by reason of the conduct, management or situation of the premises or the character of the relevant locality or the use to which any premises in the vicinity are put;
(c)the persons concerned or intended to be concerned in the conduct or management of the premises as a near beer establishment could be reasonably regarded as not being fit and proper persons to hold such a licence;
(d)the premises are not provided with satisfactory means of lighting, sanitation and ventilation;
(e)the means of heating the premises are not safe;
(f)proper precautions against fire on the premises are not being taken;
(g)satisfactory means of escape in case of fire and suitable fire-fighting equipment are not provided on the premises; or
(h)the applicant has failed to comply with the requirements of subsection (4) or (6) of section 17 (Applications under Part IV) of this Act.
(2)The council shall not refuse an application without giving the applicant an opportunity to appear before the committee or sub-committee determining the application.
(3)The council may not delegate to an officer their function of refusing an application under this Part of this Act.
(4)Where the council refuse to grant, renew or transfer a licence, they shall, if required to do so by the applicant or holder of the licence, give him a statement in writing of the reasons for their decision within 7 days of his requiring them to do so.