PLANS for Hambleton to take over licensing functions have been further delayed.

The district council is not likely to take full control of the new premises licensing system until 2005.

However, it will take over some of the responsibility for licensing premises to sell and serve alcohol next summer.

Licensing of late-night takeaways will be added in early 2005.

The changes come under the Licensing Act 2003, which transfers the responsibility for liquor licensing from the local justices to local government.

It adds all pubs, clubs and restaurants to the entertainment licensing already dealt with by councils.

And it introduces licensing for late night takeaways for the first time.

Widespread consultation on the changes has already taken place. And from next spring Hambleton will issue information to all current licence holders and existing takeaways.

"Although the new system has been delayed, current licensees need to be thinking about the Act now," said head of legal and democratic services, Martyn Richards.

"We are particularly concerned that the owners of late-night takeaways may not realise that they will need a licence in order to operate from 2005.

"This may seem a long way off now, but the Act could have implications on how they run their businesses so must be looked at as soon as possible."

Anyone wanting further information should call the electoral and licensing division on 01609 767131 or write to it at Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton, DL6 2UU.