The majority of Blackpool's licensed businesses have still to act on new licensing laws - and could face a dry Christmas.

Blackpool Council has been snubbed in a bid to have the Government-imposed August 6 deadline for applications to extend existing licenses extended - and is now awaiting a last minute rush of applications in the next fortnight, with just 30 per cent of licensees applying so far.

All applications after the deadline will be treated as new applications, meaning additional cost and extra paperwork for the applicants. All existing licenses will cease to have effect and will be acting illegally if they continue to trade.

Cllr Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council's portfolio holder for the urban environment, said: "Any applications received after August 6 have to be treated as new applications. This is more expensive for the license holder and means a lot more paperwork for them.

"We urge all existing license holders to apply now, to make the process easier for both themselves and the council."

The rules apply to restaurants, hotels, and takeaways which operate after 11pm, as well as the licensed trade. Any business with a query can contact the licensing team on 01253 478572.

Meanwhile, the council's Liberal Democrat group says it fears one clause in the new licensing laws will put public safety at risk.

Applications for public entertainment licenses will no longer require a fire certificate from a qualified electrician after an inspection of the wiring.

But, under new regulations, only a 'self assessment' will be required.

"This is an issue of great concern," said Cllr Steven Bate, a Liberal Democrat member of the public protection committee: "Blackpool's reputation is already heading downhill with 24 hour drinking, gambling and lap dancing forced on us soon. The increased risk of fires in these venues is a downhill step too far."

The fire safety requirements had, he added, often been the only way open for council officers to bring safety concerns to the public.

o Blackpool councillors kicked out the first bid for 24 hour opening in the resort last week. Bar 24/7, Waterloo Road, had applied for an all-night license but, after representations from local residents, a panel of three councillors rejected the application.