9Suitability of applicant and close associates of applicant

#### 9 Suitability of applicant and close associates of applicant 9 Suitability of applicant and close associates of applicant > > (1) This section applies in relation to a close associate of an applicant for a licence only if the Secretary is satisfied that the close associate is likely to be concerned in, or associated with, the cultivation or supply of low-THC hemp under the licence. > > > (2) The Secretary must not grant a licence to a person unless satisfied that the person, and each close associate of the person, is a suitable person to be concerned in or associated with the cultivation or supply of low-THC hemp under a licence. > > > (3) In particular, the Secretary is to consider whether the person, and each close associate of the person, is of good repute, having regard to the person’s or close associate’s (as the case requires) character, honesty and integrity. > > > (4) The Secretary must not grant a licence to a person if the person, or a close associate of the person, has been found guilty of a drug related offence. > > > (5) The Secretary may refuse to grant a licence to a person— > > > > > (a) if the person, or a close associate of the person, has been found guilty of an offence that, in the opinion of the Secretary, makes the person or close associate unsuitable to be concerned in or associated with the cultivation or supply of low-THC hemp under a licence, or > > > > > (b) on such other grounds the Secretary considers appropriate. > > > (6) The regulations may make further provision for the circumstances in which the Secretary may refuse, or is required to refuse, to grant a licence to a person.