 Hundreds of pubs could be breaking the law by November |
Hundreds of pubs and clubs are being warned they could have to shut their doors to customers if they fail to meet the deadline to pick up new licences. West Dorset District Council says it has only received 120 applications for premises licences out of about 600.
Only 322 people have applied for personal licences out of an estimated 1,100 to 1,500.
New laws bringing in 24-hour drinking mean licences have to be applied for from local councils by 6 August.
'Big change'
People and premises which miss the deadline will lose their existing permissions and could find it much more difficult to get a new licence, the council has warned.
Businesses that do not have a licence in place by 24 November face prosecution if they continue to trade.
Robert Gould, West Dorset District Council's leader, said: "This is a big change so I would appeal to local landlords and other operators to get in touch with us now so we can guide them through the process."
With only weeks left to register for a new licence under the 2003 Licensing Act just 20% of licensed premises across the county have made an application.
The act brings in 24-hour drinking but all landlords need the paperwork even if they are not changing opening hours.
Local councils fear they will not be able to deal with a last-minute rush of applications.
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