OWNERS of businesses in Bromsgrove which will have to be licenced under new laws set to come into force in the autumn have been told to apply for them immediately.

Around 280 premises are affected, but so far the district council has received only 12 applications.

Applicants have until August 6 to convert their existing licences into the new style 'personal' and 'premises' licences.

The act will see for the first time local councils rather than justices assuming responsibility for all matters concerning licensing.

This includes drinks establishments, cinemas, theatres late night refreshment house licenses and, for the first time, takeaways serving hot food after 11pm.

A spokeswoman for Bromsgrove District Council said: "There is no leeway on the date. It is important people do not leave making applications to the last minute."

Meanwhile, the Gate at Bournheath, has with the Old Rose and Crown at Rednal become the first pubs in Bromsgrove to be granted a premises licence under the new act.

And the Gate's current licence holder, Gareth Lloyd has also been granted his personal licence.

Mr Lloyd said licensees in Bromsgrove appear to have mirrored the action nationwide to make applications and time is running out. One reason, he claims, is the complexity of forms and the need to submit to the council plans drawn to the official scale showing drinking areas, fire exits, extinguishers and escape routes. This, he said, may mean employing a surveyor and a solicitor which adds to the costs on top of new fees.

He added it used to cost £32 for a three-year justices' licence, but the new licences will cost The Gate at Bournheath £362 in fees initially with an annual renewal fee of £295, a total of £942 over the three years. An increase of almost 3,000 per cent.

The council spokeswoman said forms and fees are set by the government and in Bromsgrove workshops are being held to help the transition. The next workshop is at noon on May 17 at the Council House.