http://www.dorsetforyou.com/401679

The above link does make reference to Representations can be either for or against proposals in the application.

I will take full credit for this (later) insertion - however this document is still on the site and is unchanged since my first dealings of the Cove House Inn, way back in 2001!

http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=163584&filetype=pdf

WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING COMMITTEE PROCEDURE

The Chair introduces Members of the Committee and Council Officers present and invites identification of other persons present at the meeting. The objectors will be asked to identify one or at most two representatives to speak on their behalf.
If the applicant is not represented he/she is informed of their right to be so represented.
The Licensing Manager outlines details of the application.
The applicant is invited to present the case.
Committee Members will be invited to ask questions.
The objectors' representative will be invited to question the applicant.
The Chair will ask other objectors whether there is anything they wish to add.
Where appropriate the Police or technical advisers to the Committee will make their observations.
Ward Members may assist the Panel in matters of local knowledge but if objecting must do so in writing in advance in the usual way.
The applicant will be invited to ask questions of the Police and/or technical advisers.
The objectors' representative will be invited to make submissions. Committee Members may wish to seek clarification on the points raised.
The applicant will be invited to ask questions of the objectors.
The applicant will be permitted to 'sum up'.
The applicant, objectors, Officers and Legal Officer (other than the Minute Taker) and third parties will withdraw. Note that with the exception of the Legal Officer, if one party is to be recalled, then all should be recalled. If the Legal Officer is recalled without the other parties being recalled, the legal advice they give will be repeated when all other parties are recalled.
Committee Members consider the merits of the application.
The Chair may recall the Legal Officer to provide legal advice and assistance.
The parties are invited back into the meeting.
18. The Chair will:
(a)   Notify the applicant of the Committee's decision and will usually state that confirmation of it will be in writing.
(b)   Give brief details of any conditions attaching to the Licence approval; or
(c)   Outline the reasons for the refusal (if any). Note that this will not always be the case and often the detailed reasons will be set out in the written confirmation.
(d)   Inform the applicant of his/her right of appeal to the Magistrates' Court if available. (Taxi, Private Hire and Public Entertainment applications only.)
These rules of procedure are issued for guidance and may be departed from at the discretion of the Chair where necessary to deal with the application expeditiously and fairly.