AS the drinks deadline looms The Up and Under club is among four premises in Torfaen facing a drink sales ban as they haven't applied for a replacement licence.

Torfaen County Borough Council's principal licensing officer for the department of the environment was out and about with police yesterday to identify the premises unable to sell alcohol after November 24.

The Up and Under in Pontypool is going to be affected as its renewal licence application wasn't received in time.

If premises such as the Up and Under continue trading after November 24 they will be operating illegally.

A council spokesman said: "It is not expected that either of these premises will be open to sell alcohol until Christmas."

Owner of The Up and Under Iftekhar Haris said: "I have been disappointed by a lack of support from Pontypool and this is another blow. But we will be putting in for events licences to cover the weekends so Thursday, Friday and the weekends we will be able to stay open. I really just don't want to let the rugby people down so I am relieved we will still be able to serve them on the weekends."

Elsewhere in Torfaen, Pontypool pub The Forgehammer Inn has become the first in Gwent to apply for a 24-hour licence.

Susan Wait, landlady of The Forgehammer Inn, said the 24-hour licence will give her more flexibility on special occasions.

She said: "It means we can stay open longer, for example, if there is a darts competition or a rugby match. It is a community pub and it is for the regulars to use as they need to

"Doors will close at 11pm as usual, but they will be able to stay and chat." Sainsbury supermarket in Cwmbran has also been granted a 24-hour licence.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "As a responsible retailer we recognise that we have a role to play in promoting responsible drinking."