BROMSGROVE'S bars, restaurants, takeaways and off licences could be banned from selling alcohol and hot food if they fail to apply for a licence on time.

Under new laws Bromsgrove District Council is taking over responsibility for drinks licences from magistrates and if establishments, including pubs, social clubs and supermarkets, don't have a licence by November 24 they won't be able to trade.

Principal licensing officer Sharon Smith said: "Businesses which fail to apply by the August 6 deadline will forfeit existing rights and will have to go through again as a new applicant and for the first time takeaways will need a licence too.

"We are very concerned that only 55 out of around 300 businesses in the district have applied so far."

Sharon added: "Time is running short and if people have not done anything about getting their new licence yet, we urge them to do so as soon as possible."

Everyone who sells or supplies alcohol, puts on public or private entertainment or serves hot food after 11pm must apply for a licence to enable them to continue trading, even if they do not want to change their opening hours.

To help people get their applications in on time Sharon has sent out a series of eye-catching reminder leaflets to the various venues affected by the new laws.

For information on how to make an application contact the district council's licensing section on 01527 881626 or email licensing@bromsgrove.gov.uk