In the wake of a series of recent public health scandals, legislation has been introduced which allows local councils to license hot-food vendors, the (fictional) Fast Food Act 2008. Under this Act,...

In the wake of a series of recent public health scandals, legislation has been introduced which allows local councils to license hot-food vendors, the (fictional) Fast Food Act 2008. Under this Act, it is an offence to sell hot food without a licence. Hugh, Gordon and Jaime are three vendors who have been refused licences by Oldcastle Council. Hugh was informed by Delia, who chairs the council’s Licensing Committee, that his request for a licence was rejected because his prices were too high. Hugh argues that his prices should be irrelevant to the grant of a licence under the 2008 Act and that in any case, taking away his licence was too severe a punishment. Gordon was informed by Delia that the licence application was a ‘mere formality’ and he entered into a contract for the supply of lamb with a local butcher. With the rejection of his application, Gordon now stands to make substantial losses under this contract. Jamie requested the opportunity to make a presentation to support his licence application, but this was refused. Delia has also refused to explain why the license application was unsuccessful or to allow him the possibility of an appeal.

Advise Hugh, Gordon and Jaime.