DRINK could dry up for punters this Christmas because the vast majority of pubs and restaurants in the district have not applied for a licence to sell alcohol.

Chiltern District Council has received less than a quarter of applications from the 450 premises that serve alcohol in the Chiltern region.

Under new legislation, businesses that serve alcohol must apply to their local authority rather than to the magistrates. Premises wishing to serve alcohol must get their application in by August 6 to guarantee getting a licence by November.

The council is unsure whether people know about the changes in legislation or if businesses are planning to apply just before the deadline.