PENDLE councillors agreed last night to consult all the borough's 293 licensees about new licensing procedures which could be "like a millstone".

Under new legislation, the council will take on the role of licensing the sale of alcohol -- currently carried out by magistrates -- from 2005.

Between 10 and 15 councillors are likely to be trained to form a new licensing committee which will licence people, and premises.

At a meeting of the council's executive last night, Council leader Alan Davies said: "This is probably going to hang like a millstone round our necks for the next few years."

Conservative group leader CounTony Beckett added: "It's a big job, but we have to do it."