LESS than 10 per cent of licensees in Craven have applied for new government paperwork and now the message from officials is loud and clear - apply now.

Every licensee of a business which sells alcohol, puts on entertainment or serves hot food after 11pm has until August 6 to apply for new licences.

However, just 31 of the 372 licensees across Craven have submitted applications.

And three have indicated they will not apply.

With the deadline less than two months away, council officers are now bracing themselves for a flood of last minute applications.

Housing renewal and licensing services manager for Craven District Council, Wyn Ashton told the Herald: "It is imperative those who want to transfer their existing conditions, that applies for all licences, apply by August 6. It is extremely important."

Mr Ashton said licensees who miss the August deadline will have to make full applications before the regulations take effect on November 24.

This involves rigorous consultations with bodies including the police, social services, fire authority, council departments and advertising through the local press.

The regulations also pave the way for 24-hour drinking.

Chairman of Craven District Council's licensing committee, Coun Robert Heseltine said: "There are a variety of reasons why existing licensees have been holding back. One is uncertainty of licensing laws, another one is thinking the August 6 date will be put back, but there doesn't seem to be movement on that."

He added: "Publicans are busy people and paperwork is not the first thing they look at. But it is of the utmost importance and it is imperative these applications are done by August 6.

"The public expect pubs and clubs to have licences so they can take advantage of the services they provide."

Licensing Minister James Purnell said: "Staying in really will become the new going out unless pubs, bars, off-licences, restaurants and takeaways apply now.

"These new laws give businesses new opportunities if they want to take them. But they are risking missing out and so are their customers.

"The message to licensees is stark and simple. Apply now. Otherwise people in Craven could well be spending some very quiet nights in."

The new licence will replace six licences.

Under the current system, venue managers have to apply for special licences and pay additional fees if they wish to extend opening hours or offer public entertainment.

Licensees will now only have to apply once for a premises licence, rather than constantly renewing and reapplying.

They will then keep this licence for as long as they wish, unless they want to vary its terms. This will save the industry time and an estimated £2 billion over the next 10 years.

Licensees in Craven should telephone 01756 706383 to apply and for further details.