300 miss deadline (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

300 miss deadline

HUNDREDS of pubs and venues serving alcohol across west Wiltshire are facing closure after missing a licensing deadline.

Up to 300 venues failed to get their application forms for a new licence in by August 6 and council officers are warning if they fail to act they could be closed down.

Premises missing the August deadline have until September 24 to transfer their licence to the new system or face closure. If it is not in place by November 24 they will be banned from trading until one is granted.

So far West Wiltshire District Council has received 344 valid applications, with many venues wanting to take advantage of the relaxed laws.

A sub-committee has been set up to deal with pubs wanting to extend their hours, with many town centre venues expected to apply for 2am licences.