Pubs told: apply for licences or miss out

Councils across England and Wales are pleading for applications for new licences - in the wake of the revelation that many have yet to receive a single one.

One month into the new regime and licensing teams are still waiting to receive applications from pubs wishing to vary their opening hours.

The Publican has spoken to licensing officers at councils across the country - and while they claim they are now geared up to receive a flood of applications for personal and premise licences, most have yet to receive any.

All licences must be applied for before August 6, or licensees risk not being able to open on the Second Appointed Day, which is expected to be in November. Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Portsmouth City Councils have received no applications whatsoever - despite thousands of licensed premises operating in these cities.

Nickii Humphreys, licensing manager for Portsmouth City Council, said that she was particularly surprised she had yet to receive any bulk applications from pub companies or solicitors.

"We believe that a lack of guidance from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport has hindered the process for applicants and local authorities alike," she declared. "Licensees will ultimately lose out, as if they do not submit their application in good time they could lose their grand-father rights or indeed not be able to open in November."

Ian Hannant, licensing officer for Liverpool City Council, told The Publican: "We are surprised by the lack of applications. We think one reason may be the requirement for operating plans of the premises to be drawn up to accompany an application."

Other local authorities haven't fared much better. Their licensing departments have received a small trickle of applications from publicans wishing to vary their hours - despite the fact that many councils had drafted in extra staff to deal with the anticipated extra workload.

Licensees are adamant that they are doing their best to get their applications completed early.

David Franklin, owner of the Tontine Inn in Oswestry, Shropshire, said: "If it wasn't so complicated my application would be done and dusted already. I've already spent three to four days filling it out and I'm only half way through. Some local authorities are organising seminars to help licensees - but my local council doesn't seem to be doing anything."

But David Hawksworth, who runs the Fox and Hounds in Bullamoor, North Yorkshire, said: "I've now sent off for my personal licence. The premises licence is well under way and I'm now getting the plans drawn up.

"After a shaky start I'm feeling a lot more confident as the council is being a lot more helpful and has organised local seminars to help us with the paperwork."

Adam Whisker, communications officer for LACORS, the association representing local authorities, said: "The number of applications hasn't been as high as we anticipated. This is partly due to a lack of clarity and advice and because the fees have been amended. But local authorities are well prepared and ready to go."

Are you geared up for the new licensing regime?​ This week The Publican is launching a new initiative, in conjunction with the British Beer & Pub Association and the BII, aimed at guiding licensees through some of the complicated procedures ahead of them.

Over the coming weeks Time to ACT! will build up into an indispensable guide to getting to grips with the new licensing legislation - and ensuring that you stay on the right side of the new laws. Click here​ to find out more.