Pub owners' last orders (From Penarth Times)

Pub owners' last orders

THE Vale Council says pubs and clubs in Penarth could face closure by Christmas after calling last orders for new alcohol licences.

Under the new licensing law all premises have to apply to their town halls for a new license by August 6 - even if they don"t want to change their opening hours.

And with the deadline only just over a week away, the vast majority of applications have yet to be made.

A Vale council spokesperson said: "As of last Friday (July 22) we had received 109 premises and clubs licensing applications - out of a possible 700.

"We would guess that around 1,400 personal licensing applications will be

received in total, based on two licensees per eligible premises, and so far we

have only received 155.

"Under the new Licensing Law that came into force in February, all licensed premises must apply to their local council for a transfer of their licence - regardless of when it expires or whether the terms need to be changed.

"The council encouraged businesses to make their applications as early as possible to avoid a last-minute pile-up.

"Unfortunately that has not happened and our licensing department will now face a huge task if all the outstanding applications come in during the last week before the deadline."

Cllr Anthony Powell, chairman of the Vale"s Licensing Committee, said: "Businesses that have not made applications before August 6 will risk being prosecuted and possibly closed down."