PUBS, shops and off-licences risk being shut down unless they get their licence applications into Chiltern District Council ahead of the August 6 deadline.

Any public place selling alcohol in the Chiltern District has until that date to apply for a licence from the council, otherwise it won't guarantee the premise or licensee will be eligible to trade when the Licensing Act becomes effective on November 7.

Applications have been trickling in very slowly since the scheme began in early February and licensing officers fear they will be inundated at the last minute.

It may also mean trade could suffer as a result.

Cllr John Warder, executive member for environmental management, said: "The situation is really quite worrying.

"All our existing licensees now have only four months left to apply for their new licences.

"It seems the same situation exists right across the country."

In nearly three months the council has managed to issue only one personal licence, on Friday, to the landlord of the Red Lion Pub, Coleshill, near Amersham.

At that rate a council spokesman said there would only be a handful of places where people could go to buy alcohol in November.

Ex-solicitor, Red Lion landlord John Ullman urged others to get their applications in early.

He said: "I have worked closely with the members of Chiltern's new licensing team.

"To have all the necessary paperwork completed early will help spread the considerable workload."

Four council officers have been employed to deal with an estimated 700 licensing applications, but a spokesman said it could take several months to carry out all the relevant police, health and safety checks.

Out of only 30 applications received 29 had issues with incorrect or insufficient information causing delays in the licence being issued.

The licensing team recently met a delegation from the Chinese business community in the Chilterns to talk to them about the new requirements.

Similar sessions are being set up for other business groups.

Officers are also holding a series of licensing surgeries to help people fill in the forms correctly at the council offices in King George V Road.

The surgeries are on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

To book a slot or for more information contact the licensing team on 01494 732002.