(1)This section has effect in relation to applications for the renewal of justices’ licenses and canteen licences made to the general annual licensing sessions immediately preceding the expiry of a licensing period.
(2)The clerk to licensing justices may exercise on behalf of the justices their powers with respect to an application for the renewal of a justices’ licence or canteen licence if—
(a)the application is not opposed; or
(b)where under this Act the application may only be refused on specified grounds, it is not opposed on a ground on which renewal may be refused.
(3)An application may not be dealt with under this section if—
(a)the justices so direct;
(b)it is made in conjunction with any other application or request with respect to the licence sought to be renewed; or
(c)in the case of an application for the renewal of a justices’ licence, there is a relevant entry in the register of justices’ licences maintained under this Act which relates to the applicant or the premises for which the licence is sought.
(4)An entry in the register of justices’ licences is relevant for the purposes of this section if it is an entry made in pursuance of section 31 of this Act or section 163(1)(b) or 168(7)(a) of the Representation of the M1 People Act 1983 (reports or convictions of bribery or treating to be entered in the register).]