THE scramble to submit new licences so pubs can serve booze into the early hours continued to gather pace across York today.

But with just 20 days to go before the deadline for applications, objections are flooding in from concerned residents.

Licensees have already been warned they need to get paperwork in now or face having their business closed down.

Under the Government's controversial 24-hour drinking rules, new licence bids have to be submitted by August 6 at the latest.

Relaxed opening hours come into force from November 24, and city licensing chief John Lacy has already warned pubs, clubs and supermarkets not to leave it too late.

In June, he revealed only 112 of the 720 licensed businesses - such as pubs, bars, stores and theatres - had submitted paperwork.

Everyone who sells alcohol, puts on entertainment, or serves hot food after 11pm must apply for a new licence to be able to trade under the new laws, even if they do not want to change it.

With the clock ticking, City of York Council will deal with a string of new applications next week. But objections have also been raised by residents, although pubs say their requests will not fuel crime or noise.

The Post Office Employers' Social Club, Marygate, has applied to stay open an extra hour until midnight, from Mondays to Saturdays.

But resident Anne Guerri, of neighbouring St Mary's Lane, complained late night noise from the live music venue would make her family's life "very miserable indeed".

One of three objectors, she said: "I have lived with nuisance from the club on and off for 12 years now and I do not want any more disturbance than I already tolerate."

The Fox and Roman, Tadcaster Road, has asked to open until midnight - and also one hour before and to close one hour after "the transmission of any recognised international event". Police would be informed ten days in advance.

However, in a letter to the council, police raised disorder concerns and questioned whether such a move was legal. Neighbours in nearby Royal Chase were also worried about beer garden noise.

The Green Tree pub, Beckfield Lane, Acomb, has applied to open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

But the council has received a 36-name petition from Beckfield Lane residents stating new hours would lead to "unacceptable noise levels in early hours" and affect their sleep.

The Quakerwood, Acomb Wood Drive, wants to sell beer until 1am, Thursdays to Saturdays. However, police also raise concerns about getting seven days' warning about hour opening extensions for "international or charitable events".

The Knavesmire, Albemarle Road, has asked to serve until 1am, Thursdays to Saturdays, although the council has asked for more information on steps to avoid late night noise.

:: Latest late-night licence applications submitted include:

Rumours, Micklegate - open until 1am all week

Stonebow Snooker Club, Stonebow - open until 2am all week

The Plough, Main Street, Fulford - open until 1am all week

Wildes Wine Bar, Grape Lane - open until 2am all week.

Acomb Hotel, Green Lane, Acomb - open until midnight all week

Williams Caf Bar, Goodramgate - open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays

Roman Bath, St Sampsons Square - open until 2am every day

Bees Wing, Hull Road - open until 1am every day.

:: Countdown to the big change

THE countdown to the licence transfer deadline for pubs, bars, off-licences and takeaways was ticking closer to the deadline of August 6 today.

All licensees who wish to retain their existing "grandfather rights" must reapply to the local authority under the new licensing act.

Those that fail to do so by August 6 will have to apply for an entirely new licence, which could take longer to process and be more expensive.

The new opening hours, and other licensing conditions around live music, hot food and drinking-up time, will come into force on November 24.

The City of York Council licensing team can be phoned on 01904 551521 and forms can be downloaded from the internet at www.york.gov.uk/licensing/index

Updated: 10:03 Saturday, July 16, 2005