An MP is calling on ministers to extend the deadline for pubs, shops and restaurants to convert their liquor licences.

Hundreds of licensed premises in Sussex missed Saturday's deadline to apply to convert their licences under new laws.

Nick Herbert, Conservative MP for Arundel & South Downs, said: "It has resulted in bureaucratic chaos as village shop owners, publicans and volunteers who run village halls and sports clubs have struggled to get to grips with filling out a 23-page application form which in some cases has taken up to eight hours."

Mr Herbert has met with James Purnell, the minister responsible for the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003.

He asked the minister to extend the deadline for licence applications and to increase the number of temporary event notices (TENs) to allow village halls and community centres to serve alcohol at events without a licence. At present only 12 are allowed each year.

He said: "Mr Purnell said that it would not be possible to extend the deadline, and while the Government would be looking at further submissions regarding TENs over the summer, they were loath to extend this number, feeling that it would create a loophole in the law."

Mr Herbert asked the minister to issue more guidance for village halls and other voluntary organisations about the new law.

He added: "In my constituency voluntary organisations are not renewing existing licences due to the cost and difficulty of filling out the application forms. This is resulting in the loss of vital amenities in some of our most rural communities.

"I think the minister did take on board the problems I set out but he cannot immediately alter legislation which has only just come into force.

"He is, however, reviewing it and promised to consider my request for further guidance to village halls and community centres."