(b) Before refusal to issue or renew and before suspension or revocation of a license, the Comptroller shall hold a hearing to determine whether the applicant or licensee, hereinafter referred to as the respondent, is entitled to hold such a license. At least 10 days prior to the date set for such hearing, the Comptroller shall notify the respondent in writing that on the date designated a hearing will be held to determine his eligibility for a license and that he may appear in person or by counsel. Such written notice may be served on the respondent personally, or by registered or certified mail sent to the respondent's business address as shown in his latest notification to the Comptroller. At the hearing, both the respondent and the complainant shall be accorded ample opportunity to present in person or by counsel such statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to any defense thereto. The Comptroller may reasonably continue such hearing from time to time. The Comptroller may subpoena any person or persons in this State and take testimony orally, by deposition or by exhibit, in the same manner and with the same fees and mileage allowances as prescribed in judicial proceedings in civil cases.
Any authorized agent of the Comptroller may administer oaths to witnesses at any hearing which the Comptroller is authorized to conduct.