WEST Devon licensees have a six-month deadline from February to convert their licences under new laws ? or face having to apply for a new one. From February 7, licensees must apply to West Devon Borough Council, which will begin changing existing licenses to meet the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003. All current licenses must be converted by August 6 2005. Should licenses not be changed during this period, licensees will have to apply for a new one if they wish to continue trading when the new licences take effect. This is currently estimated to be November 2005. Those holding a licence for alcohol, public entertainment, theatre, cinema, late night refreshments, night café or a registered members? club must make an application. The Act gives local authorities full responsibility for alcohol, and entertainment licensing. Cllr Roger Mathew, chairman of the borough?s planning and licensing committee, said: ?There are major changes ahead in the way licensed premises are controlled and no doubt some licensees will have concerns. ?However, West Devon will endeavor to make the transition as painless as possible by providing them with as much information as possible. ?In the meantime though, licensees are encouraged to prepare for the changes.?
