§771.97. Powers.

Administer oaths and affirmations;

Issue subpoenas as authorized by law;

Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

Take or cause depositions to be taken whenever the ends of justice would be served thereby;

Regulate the course of the hearing;

Hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties;

Require the attendance at such conferences of at least one representative of each party who has the authority to negotiate concerning resolution of issues in controversy;

Dispose of procedural requests or similar matters;

Render recommended decisions in proceedings on applications for licenses and permits and on revocation or denial of renewal of licenses or permits;

Call, examine, and cross-examine witnesses, including hostile or adverse witnesses, when the administrative law judge deems such action to be necessary to a just disposition of the case, and introduce into the record documentary or other evidence; and

Take any other action authorized by rule of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act. See 5 U.S.C. 556(c) and 18 U.S.C. 843.