If pubs, clubs, restaurants and other places selling drink are forced to close because they have no licences, they will have only themselves to blame.

Owners and managers have had plenty of warning of the new licensing laws coming into effect later this year.

It appears that for many of them, the business of selling drink and boosting profits is more important than administration.

The deadline for applying for new licences is August 6, but clearly, if every pub and club leaves it until the last minute, there will be problems.

Oxford City Council has pointed out that many places could face closure over Christmas if the rate at which applications are coming in does not speed up.

The flow of applications in other parts of the county has also been slow.

The Tories nationally are calling for the introduction of the new laws to be delayed, but the Government is standing firm.

The message to owners of our drinking establishments is clear -- get those licence applications in now. Then we can all enjoy a good Christmas.