With four days remaining until the 6 August deadline for new licence applications fewer than half of Islington's 1,500 licensees have submitted their application forms.<br><br>Under the new law, anyone who serves food after 11pm, sells alcohol, or provides entertainment, must apply for a new type of licence. Licences issued under the old system will expire on 24 November. <br><br>After 6 August, applications will be treated as new, which is more costly and involves a public consultation process. <br><br>Licensing staff have been busy with door knocking, hand delivering application packs and holding weekly information workshops. With the amount of help on offer, licensees can even avoid expensive solicitors fees.<br><br>Cllr George Allan, executive member for customer focus said:<br><br>"We're keen to help licensed premises in Islington as much as possible, and we have been working with Islington's 1,500 licensees for the last six months providing advice sessions, workshops and a fast track application process.<br><br>With the deadline date looming, only one third of licensees have submitted an application to renew their licence. Those who do not return their forms next week risk the distinct possibility of running dry this Christmas as they will not have a trading licence.<br><br>The licensees are the losers here because it will be more hassle and more costly for those who leave it til after 6 August.<br><br>The council is dealing efficiently with all those renewals that have been submitted. Councillors will be working hard throughout August hearing the licensees' applications."<br><br>Licensees wanting further information, telephone Islington’s licensing team on 020 7527 3047 or visit www.islington.gov.uk.<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009