AROUND a quarter of Watford's pubs and restaurants could be forced to close by Christmas if they don't apply for new licences by next week's deadline.

Premises serving alcohol have to have new style licences in place by Thursday, November 24, when new laws under the Licensing Act 2003 come into play.

Watford Borough Council this week warned businesses they had until Friday, September 30, to get applications in, if they are to be processed in time.

Official figures from the council show that there are around 241 licenced premises in Watford that sell alcohol, of which only 184 have applied to either convert their licences under the new law.

Since March, the council has held nearly forty additional Licensing Committee meetings to take into account representations from statutory authorities and local residents about some of those changes.

Jeffrey Leib, licensing team leader, said: "It will be illegal for premises to sell alcohol or provide entertainment after 24 November without the new-style premises and personal licences in place.

"If local businesses do not want to lose trade from 24 November, they must submit their applications as soon as possible."

Full details of how to apply for licences are available on the Council's website at www.watford.gov.uk or from the licensing team on 01923 278 503.