LGA: get your applications in

The Local Government Association (LGA) is urging licenseesto waste no time in applyingfor their new licences, after a Morning Advertiser survey revealed that very few applications have been submittedone month on from the First Appointed Day.

Half of the 12 local authorities contacted by the MA on Monday ­ exactly one month after 7 February ­ had received no applications for either the personal or premises licence.

Of the other six councils, only two had received four or more valid submissions for personal licences. Two of the six had received no submissions for premises licences.

Bryony Rudkin, chair of the LGA's Safer Communities Board, said: "Councils have been somewhat surprised by the lack of applications coming in.

"A situation where there is a rush to get all these applications processed towards the end of this period would be one that councils and the industry would be keen to avoid. We would, therefore, encourage licensees to get their applications in sooner rather than later."

Councils pointed to apathy and confusion among licensees, and also noted the problems with the Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS), which re-issued the forms after mistakes were spotted on the originals.

A spokesman for Liverpool City Council, which has so far received no applications, said: "One thing we have picked up on is that a number of applicants are finding it difficult to give a plan of the premises."

Neil Clarke, who is responsible for licensing at Newcastle City Council, said it had received applications for just three personal licences and no premises licences.

Clarke added: "I think there's a few sitting on the fence to see what others do. But I suspect the main thing is people haven't realised that the clock is ticking and they need to get started."