Hundreds of Oxfordshire Pubs and clubs could be closed over Christmas unless the Government extends a deadline for new licence applications.

The Conservatives have called on the Government to delay the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003, which will be enforced from November 24.

All bars must apply for new licences before August 6, or they will have to re-apply as new premises -- a complicated procedure that will take longer.

With premises where alcohol is sold, the publican also needs to apply for a personal licence.

Theresa May, the Shadow Culture Secretary, said: "The Licensing Act is turning into a bureaucratic shambles of the Government's own making.

"Pubs, clubs and restaurants could be facing disaster if the deadline is not extended, at least over the busy Christmas period."

Paul Kirkley, licensing officer for Oxford City Council, added: "There is a very real danger that a large number of premises could be closed over Christmas if the rate of applications does not start to accelerate.

"That means theatres, cinemas and supermarkets not just pubs and clubs.

"If the applications continue at this rate, at least 50 per cent of premises will be affected."

A city council spokesman added that the cost of new licence applications varied from £100 to £635.

Latest figures compiled by the Oxford Mail revealed just 304 out of 3,120 premises in Oxfordshire have applied for licences.

Licensing Minister James Purnell said: "We have always said the new laws would come into force in November and I'm pleased to be able to give the industry the certainty of a specific date.

"If pubs, restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets don't have a new licence in November, when the new law comes in, they won't be able to trade. We recommend everyone puts their forms in now."

Barry Greenhough, licensee of the Dew Drop Inn in Banbury Road, Oxford, said he had received all the paperwork confirming both his licensing applications had been dealt with.

He said: "The brewery deals with the application for the premises and I applied for the individual licence.

"I think other landlords who haven't got this sorted are a bit stupid -- this has been on the cards for months."

Michelle Wass, landlady of the Abingdon Arms, High Street, Beckley, said: "We have applied for our licence and it is in the hands of the solicitor at the moment.

"It has cost an arm and a leg, pubs don't make the money they used to."

Kathryn Chapman, manager of the Angel and Greyhound in St Clement's, Oxford, said: "We are part of Youngs brewery and have an area manager who deals with it all. The brewery is paying."

Nick Spencer, spokesman for Oxford City Council, said: "The cut-offdate of August 6 is a Government decision. If an extension were granted, then it's something we would work with."

The Oxford Mail, in conjunction with Manches solicitors of Oxford, is offering affected businesses a free fact sheet on the new Act.

Contact Shane Hodgson at the Oxford Mail on 01865 425493, or email her at shodgson@nqo.com for more details.