Drink problem is looming for pubs

May 29 2005 By Phil Doherty, The Sunday Sun

A plan B for booze is being formulated to ensure the region's pubs can sell alcohol this Christmas.

Under new legislation, anyone in the region selling alcohol must apply to councils for new licences but, so far, only 800 applications have been received out of a possible 7000.

With the August 6 deadline fast approaching, after which old licences cannot be converted, the authorities fear a huge backlog that may not be cleared in time for the festive period.

A recent crisis meeting of council bosses discussed extending the deadline and lobbying the Government to allow a more flexible approach to applications.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Council, which has received only 22 applications from 1200 outlets selling alcohol in the town, said: "Plans are being formulated to deal with the issue if more people do not apply and these will be finalised well before the deadline."

Gateshead Borough Council said it would need to process nearly 20 applications a day to deal with its 1600 outlets. So far, it has only received 164 applications, with 50 of those having to be returned to the sender because they contained crucial errors.

Newcastle City Council has only received 161 applications out of an expected 1000. A spokesman said: "It suggests a large number of businesses are waiting a long time before replying.

"Obviously, a large rush of applications could create difficulty in processing them and we would advise people to contact us as soon as possible in order to guarantee they get their licences in time."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said it had received only 86 applications out of 1100 and, of those, 30 had to be returned to the sender.

Carlisle City Council has received 120 applications out of a possible 1250.

To encourage more licensees to apply, North Tyneside Borough Council is holding a series of licensing seminars throughout next month. A spokesman said: " We have also sent out a newsletter and are currently sending out follow-up letters to all premises that haven't yet applied, explaining they need to get their applications in quickly.

"These letters also contain invitations to attend one of our special licensing clinics that we are holding on June 6, 9 and 10, where we will provide advice and guidance."