Landlords miss licence deadline

Pubs had to submit their forms applying for a licence by 6 August

Large numbers of Kent pub landlords have missed a deadline to reapply for their licences under new legislation.

In some parts of the county nearly half the licensees have not submitted their forms, according to council figures.

Local councils are taking over from magistrates as the issuers of licences and any pub or bar which does not reapply for its licence could be shut.

Those who missed Saturday's deadline will have to reapply as new applicants, risking delays and possible opposition.

Apply from scratch

Figures from Kent's local councils, given to BBC Radio Kent, showed Dover licensing staff said they expected to have completed forms from only about 55% of pubs and clubs.

Canterbury's council said the figure there was about 60% and in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells 70% of licensees have completed the forms.

Thanet's licensing staff have received 78% of forms, Dartford's have received 85% and in the Ashford and Swale areas about 90% of places have applied.

Any landlords who have missed the deadline now have until 3 October to apply as new licensees, in order to be granted them by the 24 November limit.

But they would face the same potential problems as those applying from scratch - with neighbours able to object, for example.

Any licensed premises without a new or renewed license by 24 November could face closure.