A London hotelier has been waiting for more than a month for copies of his alcohol licence because his local court is overwhelmed.
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Rydges: magistrates holding up licence
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Rydges Kensington Plaza general manager David Pearson applied on 14 February to West London Magistrates' Court for copies of his alcohol licence, but has yet to hear. Without the copies, he cannot apply to his local council to convert his existing licence before the 6 August deadline. "I'm concerned, as I've tried to do the right thing by applying early," said Pearson, "but now I can't do any more."
A spokeswoman for the Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority said: "This was bound to happen at some point, as our members are not specifically allocated to licensing and perform several roles. My advice is not to leave your request for copies to the last minute."
The timetable for transition to November's new licensing regime grants existing licensees until 6 August to convert their Justices' licences to maintain their current licensing hours.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 31 March 2005