A SERIES of workshops have been organised for pubs and clubs in Chester-le-Street to speed up the number of applications for licences to sell alcohol.

Under regulations introduced under the Licensing Act of 2003, local councils rather than magistrates will issue licences to sell alcohol.

Businesses have until August 6 to transfer their licence, but after that deadline they will have to apply for a new licence and go through a lengthy and costly procedure to continue selling alcohol.

Because of the slow take up of applications in Chester-le-Street as elsewhere across the region, the district council has set up two workshops at which businesses can talk through the process.

Both take place in the civic centre, the first on Thursday from 9am to 6.30pm, in the council chamber and the second at the same time on Wednesday, June 15, in Conference Room Four.

Councillor Colin Carr, chairman of the council's licensing committee, said: "The licensing team is offering to arrange individual appointments with any business that requires advice or assistance during their application.

"The team has arranged two workshop days where individuals or businesses can drop in at any time throughout the day to discuss their application in a friendly and informal manner."

For information, please ring Chester-le-Street District Council's licensing section on 0191-387 2202.