(1)  The holder of a shot-firing permit may apply to the Secretary for its renewal.

(2)  The application must be in accordance with regulation 113 .

(3)  The application –

(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.

(4)  If the application is lodged after the end of the period specified in subregulation (3)(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.

(5)  The Secretary may –

(a) refuse the application; or

(b) approve the application.

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

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

(a) the refusal; and

(b) the reasons for the refusal; and

(c) the right of review.

(8)  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 fresh permit document.

(9)  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:

(a) the 2-month period immediately following that day expires;

(b) the permit is renewed or its renewal is refused.