A Saundersfoot storekeeper has become the first person in Pembrokeshire to be issued with a personal licence to sell alcohol. Paul Hancock, of Spar Stores in High Street, was issued with his licence on Monday. Under new licensing laws, which came into effect this year, any person selling or authorising the sale of alcohol needs to hold a personal licence before November 2005 - when the county council takes over the prime responsibility and administration for enforcement of liquor licensing laws. "We are pleased to be in a position to issue the very first personal licence to Mr Hancock, whose application was the first we received," said Gareth Watts, principal officer with the county council's licensing team. "We expect around 2,000 in total before August 6 when the deadline for existing licensees expires." He said the new licence would allow an individual to sell alcohol in any licensed premises in Britain and replaces the old 'fit and proper' qualification, which has been in place for the last 40 years. "We would wish to remind all persons who sell or authorise the sale of alcohol to ensure that their applications are being completed and submitted well before the deadline, in order that they can continue to operate within the law." Personal licences can be issued to people who have completed an accredited licensing course, are over 18 and have no criminal record. Anyone wanting to apply for a licence should contact the licensing team at County Hall in Haverfordwest on 01437 776308 or alternatively obtain a copy of the application form online at http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk