HUNDREDS of bars and clubs in Bolton could be forced to close if licensees do not move quickly to meet new regulations.

Only 120 of the borough's 1,000 licensed premises, including off-licences and restaurants, have so far re-applied for the new licence they must have.

Local councils are taking over from magistrates as the issuers of licences and any pub or bar which fails to re-apply by August 6 could be shut.

But, with so few owners of licensed premises having applied so far - despite the fact that applications could have been made as early as February - there are fears that many do not understand the new Licensing Act.

The new act gives local authorities greater powers to tackle alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour, such as by imposing extra fines for selling to under-age drinkers and dealing with problem pubs.

With council licensing chiefs anticipating a late rush of applications, Bolton North East MP David Crausby said that anyone who did not apply for a new licence was "not fit" to run any of Bolton's licensed premises.

Andrew Fisher, Group Manager for Licensing at Bolton Council, said: "Applications submitted by August 6 will allow the new licenses to be issued by November 24, when all old licences become ineffective.

"Although we will try our best to process the applications after that date as quickly as possible, business at those premises will be interrupted."

He urged all businesses to reapply for a licence as soon as possible.

Mr Fisher said: "The forms are quite daunting and complicated, which may be responsible for the delay. But we are concerned there might be a last minute rush of applications which puts added pressure on us."

Mr Crausby was on the Commons committee responsible for drawing up the new licensing act and today he defended the deadline, despite the fact only 10 per cent have applied nationwide.

Speaking during a House of Commons question time, he asked if James Purnell, under-secretary of state for culture, media and sport, agreed that licensees who failed to re-apply in time were unfit to run those premises.

He said: "What I meant is those who need to apply should at least make the effort now. These licences are now given to individuals and not to the premises. They have a strong responsibility to fill in the forms."