Beware of scam texts and emails claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice. We do not send payment links in texts or emails. If you are unsure whether a message is genuine, contact our call centre on 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) or 0800 COURTS (0800 268 787) before clicking any links or making a payment. Read more about identifying scams.
The police can object to your application for a licence or certificate. We’ll send you a copy of the objection if they do object and you have two options for responding.
Request a hearing
The purpose of this hearing is to address the issue of whether or not the Authority should uphold or dismiss the police objection. This will be held as close as possible to where you live or operate your business. At the hearing the police may be represented by a lawyer or another member of the police.
You can also be represented by a lawyer or another person (nominated by you) at the hearing.
Request a hearing on the papers
Instead of having a physical hearing with oral evidence, you may have a hearing on the papers which is based completely on written evidence.