MORE than half of Darlington's licensees have yet to apply for a new licence to trade.

Pubs, clubs and off-licences have just a few days left to apply for a new licence under the Licensing Act 2004.

Licensees have until August 6 to apply to Darlington Borough Council to convert their licences to the new premises and personal licences, which will allow them to continue trading as normal from November 24, 2005.

The rules apply to any premises that sells alcohol or offers public entertainment.

Any trader who sells food after 11pm must also apply for a new premises licence.

Any licensees who miss the August conversion deadline will have to apply for a new licence with no guarantee that it will be granted in time for the November deadline.

So far, the borough council's licensing section has received only 41 per cent of the 400 anticipated premises licence applications and only 21 per cent of the expected personal licence applications.

For details, see www.darlington.gov.uk