PUB and club owners are being urged not to rush into licence applications, under new laws, until they have found out what it could mean for their business.

The call comes as new licensing laws transferring responsibility for issuing licences from magistrates to the council came into force this week.

Under the changes there is now a new procedure and application form.

Licensing officer Lionel Starling said: "No-one will miss out and I would urge everyone who thinks they might be affected by the new legislation to wait for all the information to come out so they can see exactly what they need to do.

"To help with this process we are holding some practical workshop meetings and look forward to working through this complicated procedure."

The sessions will be held at the Gorse Hill Community Centre in Chapel Street. The first, on April 23 from 2pm to 6pm, will be held for registered clubs while a second will be held on April 30 from 2pm to 6pm for village and church hall committees.

Solicitors representing these groups are also welcome and council officers will be explaining the application forms and flagging up some of the main issues.

To find out more about the rule changes call Swindon Council's licensing department on 01793 466109.