(1)  The Secretary may grant an application for a licence with or without conditions.

(2)  The Secretary may refuse to grant a licence to an applicant –

(a) if the applicant is not eligible to hold the licence; or

(b) if the applicant is disqualified from holding the licence; or

(c) if there are environmental or resource constraints on granting the licence; or

(d) if granting the application will contravene a management plan; or

(e) on such other grounds that the Secretary considers reasonable for refusing the application.

(3)  The Secretary must not grant a licence under this section if the application is for a licence to replace a licence that –

(a) has been surrendered or cancelled; or

(b) is suspended.