Only a fraction of publicans have applied for the new licenses

West Berkshire Council replaced the magistrates' court as the licensing regulator in 2003.

But police and council licensing officers are concerned that only a handful of publicans have applied.

They fear that if they leave it too late, they will miss the deadline and could be refused a new licence.

Face closure

John Priest, the council's environmental health and licensing manager, said: "This is really worrying. We are half way through the six months transition period and only a handful of premises needing a new licence have applied.

"To ensure uninterrupted trading they need to get their applications to us without delay.

"Any applications received after the deadline will mean that the benefits of having held an older licence are lost and you have to start again from square one."

Applications received after 6 August will be treated as if the pub has just been built, and established pubs could face new conditions, objections from residents, or even have their licence refused.

The new Licensing Act also allows licensees to open up their pubs, clubs or bars for up to 24-hour opening, seven days a week.