48Renewal of permits

48 Renewal of permits

(1)  The holder of a shot-firing permit may apply to the Secretary, in accordance with regulation 112 , for its renewal.

(2)  An application under subregulation (1)  –

(a) is to be lodged no later than one month (but no sooner than 3 months) before the permit is due to expire; and

(b) may be made even if the permit is suspended.

(3)  If the application is lodged after the end of the period specified in subregulation (2)(a) , the Secretary in his or her absolute discretion may still accept it if –

(a) the permit has not expired; and

(b) the applicant pays the prescribed late fee.

(4)  The Secretary may –

(a) refuse the application; or

(b) approve the application.

(5)  For the purposes of subregulation (4) , the Secretary may have regard to any matter to which the Secretary could or would be required to have regard if the application for renewal were an application under regulation 45 .

(6)  If the application is refused, the Secretary is to notify the applicant as soon as practicable of –

(a) the refusal; and

(b) the reason for the refusal; and

(c) the right of review.

(7)  If the application is approved, the Secretary –

(a) is to notify the applicant of the approval as soon as practicable; and

(b) may issue the applicant with a new permit document.

(8)  If the application is not determined before the day on which the permit would otherwise expire, the permit is taken to continue in force until whichever of the following first occurs: