Businesses have just a few days left to apply for their new alcohol licences if they want to continue trading from the start of the new regime, which comes into force in two months' time.

Although England and Wales's new drink laws do not take effect until 24 November, councils are making a final push to get stragglers to apply for their new licences by the end of this week.

Licence applications are now open to challenge and businesses must advertise their operating plan for 28 days. If an objection is lodged during this time, the council must hold a hearing within another 28 days, which leaves little time to resolve complaints and issue new licences.

Steve Lonnia, head of licensing at Sheffield City Council, said: "If you don't get your application in by 24 September, you run the risk of having to close your premises after the November start date, because you might not have your new licence in time."

A spokesman for the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services added: "The trade can't delay their applications any longer. They must get them in now or they could be trading illegally from 24 November."

Latest figures suggest 86% of England and Wales's 190,000 licensees have applied so far.

Licensing minister James Purnell has announced a review of the guidance issued to councils, but said this would have no effect on the implementation of the new licensing act.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport also dismissed media reports that the Government was about to do a U-turn on the new
licensing laws.

"There is no question of any change to the new licensing laws. The review will be about making sure the guidance councils use to do their job
is working on the ground," a spokeswoman said.

By Chris Druce