The procedure of the hearing
The chairman is in charge of the proceedings.
The following sequence of events is for guidance but individual hearings may differ:
- the chairman explains the format for the meeting and asks everyone to introduce themselves
- the licensing officer outlines the application
- the applicant (or their representative) speaks in support of their application and calls witnesses
- objectors ask the applicant (or their representative) and witnesses questions
- members of the panel ask the applicant (or their representative) and witnesses questions
- objectors speak about their representation and call any witnesses
- the applicant (or their representative) asks the objectors questions
- members of the panel ask questions
- the chairman asks everyone if they want to add anything further
- the chairman asks everyone to leave the room while the panel reaches a decision - the council's lawyer and committee note-taker remain
- once a decision has been made, everyone is invited to come back in to hear it, although for complex applications, the panel may decide to give its decision later.