22.—(1) Subject to subsection (3) and sections 24 and 25, the Authority may grant a licence to a person to provide a security service.

(2) When deciding whether to grant a licence the Authority shall take into account any information supplied to it under sections 21, 34 and 36.

(3) The Authority shall refuse to grant a licence if satisfied—

(a) if the applicant is an individual, that he or she:

(i) is not a fit and proper person to provide a security service,

(ii) is under 18,

(iii) does not comply with any requirement of this Act or regulations thereunder,

(iv) has not paid the prescribed fee,

(b) if the applicant is a body corporate:

(i) that F15[any director, shareholder to whom section 21(3)(ab) refers, manager,] secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or any person purporting to act in that capacity is not a fit and proper person to hold such a position in a body corporate which is providing a security service,

(ii) that subparagraph (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (a) applies in respect of the body corporate,

and

(c) if the applicant is a partnership, that one or more than one of subparagraphs (i) to (iv) of paragraph (a) applies or apply in respect of any of the partners.

(4) A licence, unless sooner surrendered or revoked or otherwise ceasing to be in force, shall remain in force for a period of 2 years from the date on which it is issued or for such longer period as may be prescribed.

(5) A licence—

(a) does not confer any right of property, and

(b) may not be transferred or assigned or be mortgaged, charged or otherwise encumbered.