(1)  The Secretary must not grant a licence to an applicant unless satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be involved in the possession, cultivation or supply of hemp or industrial hemp.

(2)  The Secretary may refuse to grant a licence to a person if the person has been found guilty of a drug-related offence.

(3)  The Secretary may refuse to grant a licence to a person –

(a) if the person has been found guilty of an offence that, in the opinion of the Secretary, makes the person unsuitable to be involved in, the possession, cultivation or supply of hemp or industrial hemp under a licence; or

(b) on any other grounds that the Secretary considers appropriate.

(4)  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.