NORTH-EAST pubs, clubs and shops are still failing to heed warnings they could soon be unable to sell alcohol because of a change in law.

New regulations mean local authorities now issue licences rather than magistrates.

Venues must apply to have their licence renewed by their local authority before August 6 if they wish to sell alcohol after November 7.

But as reported in The Northern Echo last week, many of the region's authorities have only received a handful of applications.

Yesterday, Darlington Borough Council said that only eight pubs, clubs and off-licences had applied for new licences.

The council said about 450 premises applications will need to be made, as well as about 800 personal applications. Hot food takeaways that stay open after 11pm also need to apply for a premises licence, or face having to close at 11pm from November 7.

It is believed many licensees think the rules do not apply to them because public entertainment licences had to be renewed last month and liquor licences were renewed for three years earlier this year.

None of those licences will apply when the new legislation comes into effect.

Easington District Council, in County Durham, said it has only had 25 applications out of 650.

A spokesman said: "It is important that anyone needing a licence acts now. This includes pubs, clubs, off- licences, takeaways, schools and community centres that provide activities covered by the legislation."