20.—(1) Proceedings with respect to licensing by licensing bodies shall be commenced by the service on the Secretary by the applicant of a notice–
(a)in Form 7 in the case of a reference under section 125 or 126 of the Act,
(b)in Form 8 in the case of an application for a review of an order under section 127 of the Act,
together with a statement of the applicant’s case.
(2) As soon as practicable after receipt of the notice, the Secretary shall serve a copy of the same (with a copy of the applicant’s statement) on the licensing body named in the notice under paragraph (1)(a) above, and in the case of an application for review of an order under section 127, on any person named in the notice under paragraph (1)(b) above.
(3) In the case of a reference under section 125 of the Act the Tribunal shall, as soon as practicable after the receipt of the applicant’s notice, decide whether to entertain the reference and may for that purpose, at its discretion, allow representations in writing to be made by the applicant or the licensing body or both and if, after considering the reference and representations (if any) the Tribunal–
(a)decides to entertain the reference, it shall give such directions as to the taking of any steps required or authorised under these Rules, or as to any further matter (including any order as to costs) as the Tribunal thinks fit, and
(b)declines to entertain the reference, it shall direct that no further proceedings shall be taken by any party in connection with the reference, otherwise than in relation to any order for costs which the Tribunal may make under rule 48.
(4) The decision of the Tribunal shall be in writing and shall include a statement of its reasons, and the Secretary shall serve a copy thereof on the applicant and the licensing body.