Pubs across Sussex are still facing a ban on serving alcohol for not complying with new licensing laws.

Figures show applications for licences from pubs, clubs and restaurants across the county are still only trickling in.

Sussex Police believes it might have to shut down dozens of premises which will not have proper licences when the new legislation comes into force.

Landlords blame bureaucracy and say the process for applying for applications can be so complicated even solicitors are having problems.

Councils have urged landlords to contact local licensing officers for more help so they can get their applications in well before the August 6 deadline.

In Brighton and Hove the city council has only received 57 applications from an estimated 1,000 premises.

In East Sussex, Lewes District Council has had about 70 out of 329, while Hastings Borough Council has had 34 out of 450 premises.

In West Sussex, Worthing has had 26 applications for 350 premises while Crawley has had just 15 out of 240.

Adur has had 16 individual applications for 300 premises, Chichester District has had 60 out of 600, while Mid Sussex has had only 57 applications for 500.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "This is a national problem and it is a matter of concern that we have not had a higher number of applications.

"We are working closely with the pub trade and doing everything we can to ensure they get their applications in early.

"Our licensing officers are eager to help and give advice, and we have a lot of information on our web site as well."

Councils are urging people to get their applications in early so they will not have to deal with a last-minute deluge, which could lead to more delays as staff struggle to cope with paperwork.

Under new laws pubs, clubs and restaurants have to apply to convert their existing licences or apply for a new one.

Any pub or club that applies before August 6 and is not looking for changes to its existing licence will automatically have its licence converted.

Those who miss the deadline will have to apply for a new licence from scratch, which could take up to two months.

Information is available on the Brighton and Hove council web site at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk /licensing.