TIME at the bar could mean just that for pub landlords facing a deadline of Saturday to convert their old-style justices licenses into new ones.

The 2004 Licensing Act, which replaces the 1964 act, allowed licensees a six-month transition period from February this year to convert "like for like" their current licenses.

After Saturday, they will still have until November 24 to apply for a new licence - but will, in effect, start the process from the beginning.

This involves advertising an application and consulting with groups including the police and residents.

The deadline has led to a rush of late applications to local councils, which replaced magistrates as licensing authorities.

Applications are broadly split into two groups - premises where it is intended to sell or supply intoxicating liquor and personal licence applications.

The first category affects pubs, clubs and bars, but also corner shops, village halls or hotels that sell drink.

Personal licence applications are required if a named individual is involved in the sale or supply of alcohol through a premises.

In Middlesbrough, a council spokesman said: "We have given the licence holders due notice of the changes and there has been lots of publicity, so the ball is their court."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has sent circulars to all known and registered operators in the trade in its area, reminding them about the provisions of the act and the deadline.

It has now said that its officers are no longer able to handle any general inquiries due to the need to process applications.

A spokesman said: "Each application must be fully vetted and the appropriate procedures followed - a process that is quite demanding in terms of staff time and resources."

Sergeant Tim Robson, of Durham police, who is based in the licensing unit at Chester-le-Street, said that people who miss the deadline will have to advertise their application in the local paper - and neighbours will be able to object.

He said: "There is also no God-given right for it (the licence) to be granted."

Stephen Moss, landlord of the Turf Hotel, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, said: "The paperwork can seem a bit frightening, but people have had six months to get applications in, and if they don't meet the deadline now, they have only themselves to blame."

The Government admits up to a third of pubs and clubs are likely to miss the deadline.