SCORES of owners of pubs and bars in York face an agonising few months after missing the deadline for gaining new licences.

Out of a total of 722 licensed premises in the city, 629 managed to get their licence applications in before the cut-off date on Saturday.

Experts warned that the 93 remaining licensees face a hectic time preparing for the more lengthy second round procedure in time for the next deadline on November 24.

Solicitor Jeremy Scott, of Langley's Solicitors, warned people to start preparing their applications now - or face losing their right to sell alcohol.

"If people applied before the first deadline the process was simple," he said.

"But those applying under the new system will have to obtain two types of licences, one for the premise itself and another for the person managing the premises.

"The personal licence entitles you to run any premises - but that must have a licence as well."

He said: "The application has to go out to consultation as if you were applying for a licence for the first time.

"You have to speak to all the relevant authorities including police, fire authority, planning authority and local residents committee.

"If anyone objects to the licence the applicant will have to give a very good reason why the pub or bar is needed.

"The licensee will have to prove that their premises will not cause public nuisance, noise, crime and disorder and that they have taken into account children and public safety.

"I would suggest that anyone applying for this second licence will probably need a solicitor to help them."

He said: "The application document runs to some 40 pages, so I would start thinking about it now - not filling it in the night before the deadline."

Coun Andrew Waller, executive member in charge of the environment on City of York Council, said: "The second process of applications is more complicated.

"But there may be some premises such as shops or bed and breakfasts which have decided to let their licences lapse and to go into something else."

In Ryedale, last-minute applications have resulted in 98 per cent of existing licensees meeting the August 6 deadline.

The remaining two per cent will have to apply for a brand new licence via the more complex process.

In total, 304 premises licence applications have been submitted.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, August 11, 2005