Pubs set to avoid licensing disaster
A last minute rush of applications appears to have averted the predicted licensing disaster for pubs - just two days off deadline day.
Latest figures from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) reveal that 85 per cent of its members had submitted applications, up until the end of last week.
Licensees have been rushing to get their conversion licence applications in before the August 6 deadline to preserve their grandfather rights.
Mark Hastings, the BBPA's communications director, agreed the chaos that many had been anticipating would be avoided -for pubs at least.
He said: "We are confident that by the end of the week we will have achieved a 100 per cent in terms of applications, which would be satisfying."
But the picture is less rosy overall as figures from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) show that only 65 per cent of all licensed premises, including restaurants, off licences and takeaways, have returned their forms.
"There's still a lot of applications due in, but there has been good progress," said a spokesman.
The DCMS is due to release figures later today that are expected to show a significant rise in the amount of applications.
LACORS, the local authorities co-ordinating body, confirmed that on average councils had received 50-60 per cent of applications from all premises.
But a spokeswoman added: "Local authorities are getting lots of applications every day and the numbers are improving."
She said there was a large variation in numbers with some councils having had 90 per cent of forms returned.
"Councils are working around the clock to process forms and some will be opening on Saturday," she said.
Tony Payne, chief executive of Licensed Victuallers' Association, said: "Pubs have done quite well compared to other licensed premises.
"I'm quite sure we have done enough to cover all the areas and help pubs to get their applications submitted in time and ensure they keep their grandfather rights."
The Licensing Act is due to come into effect on November 24.
