(A) Initiation. The City Council may, upon its own motion, and shall, upon a written verified complaint of any other person, investigate the action and operation of any licensee, and shall have the power to temporarily suspend or permanently revoke a license issued under this chapter for violation of any provision of this chapter.
(1992 Code, § 6-1-313)
(B) Notice of complaint.
(1) Upon the filing with the City Council of a verified complaint charging the licensee with the commission of any act which would be cause for the suspension or revocation of a license, the Council shall issue a citation directing the licensee to appear before the Council within ten days after the date of the service of the citation and, by filing his or her verified answer, show cause why his or her license should not be suspended or revoked.
(2) Service of the complaint may be effected by personal service on the licensee by the City Marshal or by mailing a registered letter to the licensee’s last address of record. The service shall include the citation and a true copy of the complaint. Failure of the licensee to answer shall be grounds for the Council to suspend or revoke the license.
(1992 Code, § 6-1-314)
(C) Hearing.
(1) Upon the filing of the answer, the Council shall fix the time and place of the hearing on the charges made, which hearing shall be in the Council Chamber of the City Hall and not less than five days’ notice of the hearing shall be given to the complainant and the licensee.
(2) The notice of hearing shall be served in the same manner as the citation. With the notice of the hearing to the complainant, there shall be attached a true copy of the answer of the licensee. If either party has appeared by counsel, the notice shall be given in like manner to the counsel of said party.
(3) Upon the hearing, the Council shall hear the evidence presented, which may be in the form of oral testimony or affidavit, or both. After the hearing has been concluded, the Council shall, within ten days, render its decision in writing, stating the reasons therefor. Notice of the decision with a copy thereof shall be served upon the parties in the manner provided as to other notices.
(4) When the Council has revoked or canceled a license previously issued by it, the Council shall notify the licensee, in writing by registered mail, of its action, giving the reasons therefor.
(1992 Code, § 6-1-315)
(D) Renewal after revocation. After suspension or revocation of a license, the Council shall have the power to renew the same if, in its discretion, a proper showing therefor has been made.
(1992 Code, § 6-1-316)