HUNDREDS of pubs and clubs could lose their right to serve alcohol if they miss a deadline to apply for new drinking licences.

A snapshot survey by The Northern Echo has found that a majority of licensed premises and individuals have yet to lodge applications with their local council, which act as licensing authorities.

They have until Saturday to convert existing licences into one of the new-style licences or risk losing their existing rights, such as current opening hours.

Those who miss the deadline will be forced to apply for a fresh licence, with no guarantee that it will be granted.

In Darlington, the borough council said 164 applications had been received when it would expect about 400.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said it had received only 205 applications from 900 in terms of both personal and premised applications.

In Hartlepool, 420 applications had been received out of an expected 700.

In Middlesbrough, the council said it was about 130 short of the number of applications it would expect, having received about 220.

York City Council said it had received 477 out of 720 applications.

The new-style licences are being introduced as part of a move to overhaul licensing laws and introduce 24-hour drinking. They apply to any premises which sell alcohol or offer entertainment, even those which do not want more flexible opening hours.