What might happen if an applicant has previously operated without a license?

An applicant who has previously operated without a license may face a negative impact on their reputation. In the context of security and protection services, operating without a proper license can suggest non-compliance with legal and regulatory standards, which is critical in this industry.

When companies and clients evaluate a business's credibility, prior unlawful conduct, such as operating without a license, raises concerns about professionalism, reliability, and adherence to the law. This may lead clients or partners to shy away from working with that applicant due to the potential risks and liabilities associated with their past actions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the likely consequences. Automatic licensure approval does not occur in this scenario, as prior unlicensed activity typically disqualifies individuals rather than granting them an advantage. Improvement of their standing also does not reflect the reality, as previous unlicensed operation is more likely to detract from their professional image. Lastly, no effect on their application is unlikely because regulatory bodies often consider such histories when reviewing applications, indicating that past behavior is indeed relevant to current evaluations.