Qualifications for grant of licence

(1) While considering an application for grant of licence or permit, the licensing authority shall have regard that the applicant— (a) is a citizen of India; (b) is not a defaulter, or black-listed or debarred from holding an excise licence; (c) possesses good moral character and has no criminal background or has not been convicted of any offence punishable under this or other relevant Acts: PROVIDED that in case he is selected as licensee, he shall furnish within thirty days of the grant of licence a certificate issued by the Superintendent of Police of the district or the Commissioner of Police, as the case may be, of which place he is the resident, showing that he possesses good moral character and has no criminal background or criminal record; (d) is not in arrears of any Government or public dues; and (e) is solvent and has the necessary funds or has made arrangements for it, for conducting the business: PROVIDED that the details of such funds shall be made available to the licensing authority, if required; (f) possesses or has an arrangement for taking on rent suitable premises for the licence and such premises have not been constructed in violation of any law;