"We've done all we can for now." This was the message from council licensing chiefs amid fears that dozens of Blackpool businesses may have missed the deadline set for new licence applications last Friday.

It is believed that - despite a "fantastic" response from the majority of the resort's clubs, pubs and larger businesses - there may still be a large proportion of smaller takeaways and corner shops who have yet to secure their new permit in time for the launch of new Licensing Act on November 24.

Under the act, all venues - from pubs and clubs to chip shops and corner shops - who intend to serve or sell hot food and/or drink after 11pm must be in possession of a valid licence.

Although businesses can still apply for the licence, the date for guaranteed processing before the November cut-off has now passed.

Any business operating without the relevant authority after the November launch can be closed down immediately and its owners left facing prosecution.

A council spokeswoman said: "Our thought on the matter is that we've done all we can for now.

"Any business which didn't submitted an application by last Friday will now not receive their licence by November 24.

"This means they could very well find themselves operating on the wrong side of the law should they serve food or drink after 11pm after this date.

"We will be monitoring the situation very closely in the coming weeks and will endeavour to process any stragglers as soon as possible. But the date for guaranteed receipt of the licence has now definitely passed."

Council Licensing Enforcement Officers and police working on the Nightsafe initiative have already confirmed that they will be conducting licensing spot checks across the Fylde coast later this month to ensure premises are properly licensed.