Councillors are urging landlords and other licensees to avoid breaking the law as this week sees the start of new licensing regulations.

As of today (November 24) any venue found to be selling alcohol without a relevant permit under the new Licensing Act will be shut down immediately and its owners liable for prosecution.

Members of Blackpool Council's Licensing Enforcement Team have already announced they will be conducting spot checks on businesses in the resort from Friday onwards and are encouraging anybody who has not yet applied for their new 'all purpose' licence to attend to it immediately.

Blackpool councillor Fred Jackson said: "Blackpool has more licensed premises than most other towns and I know that it has been a huge task to ensure the smooth transfer of licences.

"We are confident that the vast majority of businesses have applied for the appropriate licence.

"Earlier this year we wrote to businesses and we have also communicated messages via the local media so we know that most local businesses are aware of the issue and have applied.

"But we also know that a small minority have not and we would urge them to get their application in as soon as possible to avoid prosecution."

For further information and advice on the licence application process contact Blackpool's Licensing Team on 01253 478572.