Hearing Process
Overview of what happens at a hearing of the Liquor Licensing Authority.
The Liquor Licensing Authority's hearings are open to the public unless otherwise stated.
Unless otherwise directed the applicant is required to present his or her evidence first.
Appeals against District Licensing Agency decisions are by way of a rehearing.
Types of evidence
The Authority may receive as evidence any statement or document, whether or not the evidence would be admissible in a court of law.
People appearing before the Authority should provide a typed statement of the evidence and submissions to be tendered at the hearing.
Evidence needs to be provided to the Authority and all other parties on the day of the hearing.
Oral submissions
All parties or their legal representatives are entitled to appear and be heard at the hearing. They can also call, examine and cross-examine witnesses. You may be represented by an agent, with prior approval from the Authority.
The decision
The Authority will either give its decision at the end of a hearing or reserve its decision.
Appeals
The Authority's decisions can be appealed on the following grounds.
- Suitability - Where the Authority refuses an application for a licence or managers' certificate on the ground of suitability, or cancels or suspends a licence or managers' certificate on the ground of the suitability of the licensee or manager, the applicant, licensee or manager may appeal to the High Court within 10 working days of the date of the Authority's decision.
- Question of law - Where any party to any proceedings before the Authority is dissatisfied with a determination of the Authority as being erroneous in point of law, they may appeal to the High Court within 20 working days of the date of the Authority's decision.
