(2) The first publication of the notice referred to in sub section (1) shall be not more than forty-two days or less than twenty-eight days before the date of the meeting at which the application is to be heard and the second publication shall be not less than seven or more than fourteen days after the first publication (3) No application for a new licence shall be considered by a licensing authority except on proof that the applicant has given the notice required in terms of subsection (1). (4) If any person who has given the notice referred to in subsection (1) fails to lodge with the licensing a uthority an application for a new licence in the prescribed form within seven days of the last publication of the notice or if an application is not proceeded with by the applicant on the day for which the notice has been given, the notice shall be deemed to be withdrawn and fresh notice shall be given before any such application may be considered. 15 Objections (1) Any person who wishes to object to the issue of a new licence in respect of which notice of application has been given in terms of section fourteen shall, not later than seven days of the last publication of the notice, give notice in writing to the licensing authority of his intention to oppose the application and shall state the grounds on which his objection is based. (2) On receipt of a notice of objection in terms of subsection (1) the licensing authority shall inform the a pplicant concerned of the fact and the grounds of the objection. 16 Applications for new licences (1) An application for the issue of a new licence shall be submitted in the prescribed form to the licensing authority within whose licensing area the premises or vending machine or machines, as the case may be, in respect of which the licence is required, is or are situated. (2) An application referred to in subsection (1) shall be accompanied by— (a) the prescribed fee; (b) such documents, plans and specifications as may be prescribed; (c) proof that the provisions of any other enactment relating to the trade or business for which the licence is required have been complied with; (d) such information as may be prescribed; (e) proof that the notice required in terms of section fourteen has been given. (3) A separate application shall be made in terms of subsection (1) in respect of each shop, store or other fixed place of business for which the licence is required: Provided that, where the trade or business concerned is carried on by the same person in several shops, stores or other fixed places of business— (a) on adjoining portions of the same premises separated only by walls or floors; or (b) on portions of the same stand which is owned or leased by him; only one application shall be required by that person. (4) Only one application in terms of subsection (1) shall be required to be made by any one person in r espect of more than one vending machine but in such case the applicant shall specify in the application the number, situation and class or type of the vending machines for which the licence is required. 17 Licensing authority may require reports on applications (1) Upon the receipt of an application for the issue of a new licence the licensing authority concerned — (a) may request the officer in charge of the police of the police district where the trade or business for which the licence is required is or will be carried on to furnish a report stating whether any conviction for any offence is recorded against the applicant, including any person who is a partner in a partnership which is the applicant, and the person who is or will be in actual and effective control of the trade or business; (b) may refer such application to any member of the Public Service, any local authority or any other person for a report on any matter arising therefrom. (2) Any person referred to in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) may, at any reasonable time, for the purpose of furnishing a report in terms of paragraph (b ) of subsection (1), enter upon and carry out an inspection of the premises to which the application relates. (3) A licensing authority shall, on receipt of a report referred to in subsection (1), notify the applicant co ncerned of the receipt thereof and any report so received shall be open to the inspection of the applicant or his representative at the office of the licensing authority which shall allow such applicant or his representative to take a copy of such report. 18 Hearing of applications (1) At the hearing of an application for the issue of a new licence the applicant, an objector and a person who has submitted a report referred to in subsection (1) of section seventeen shall be entitled to appear before the licensing authority in person or represented by a legal practitioner or, in the case of a body of persons, corporate