And the city’s licensing board today warned them there could be no hiding.

Board chairman Rod Wallace said non-compliant businesses would not be able to trade beyond the end of August.

Councillor Wallace said it was sad to see that so many licence holders had still to meet the relevant requirements so near to the deadline.

Mr Wallace, addressing the board as it prepared to hear the latest position regarding applicants’ progress, said, “I am disappointed that there are so many faces in the chambers to speak to over outstanding applications.

“You are running the risk of not having the required paperwork in by September 1.

“There’s no way out: you will not be allowed to trade.”

The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 replaces the 1976 act and requires licence applications to meet standards on issues such as capacity, supervision, musical entertainment, noise control and a children’s policy.

Applicants must be able to show they are compliant in all respects, submitting written evidence if necessary.

At today’s board meeting, a total of 39 licensed premises had yet to show compliance with the new act.

Of those, 23 were able to satisfy board members that there were no outstanding issues but the rest were left facing a race against time to achieve the same status.

Ten of the applications, including the Bayview Bar, Downfield Hotel, Powrie Bar, the Shand and the Rowantree Bar, were deferred until the August meeting of the board.

Some of the other applicants gave assurances they would submit the necessary information in writing, but a few failed to appear and will be sent “strongly worded” letters spelling out the possible consequences.

Mr Wallace added, “There are many establishments dragging their heels. People have had about 19 months now to apply for this licence.

“We only have one more meeting after today, so get in touch with the licensing officers who are there to help if you are unsure of the issues.

“Please come forward, otherwise we will have to take the new law and work to it.”