A Black Country pub landlady has been banned from playing music and she has also been warned that she could be jailed if she defies the order.
Julie Oswell, owner of the Star and Garter Hotel in Duchess Parade, West Bromwich, was served with the High Court ban after she was caught playing music without a licence.
She now faces the prospect of a heavy fine or even prison if she disobeys the order. An inspector for Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) licence called at the premises on July 14 last year.
The inspector heard tracks being played including ‘Ready To Wear’ by Felix Da Housecat, ‘The Boxer’ by Chemical Brothers, ‘Robot Rock’ by Daft Punk, ‘You Can Do It’ by Ice Cube, and ‘I’m Really Hot’ by Missy Elliot, even though no licence was in force, the court was told.
Judge Mr Justice Kitchin ruled that she could not play any more music at premises she runs until her music licences were up to date.
She will also have to pay legal costs of more than £1,500 after the ruling at the High Court in London yesterday.
Failure to make sure that any premises she runs are run as a music-free zone until all licence fees are brought up to date could result in fines of up to £10,000 and up to two years prison.
Jessie Bowhill, counsel for PPL, said that solicitors had sent letters to the pub on March 24 and September 22, informing Oswel that playing music without the correct licence constituted infringement of copyright.
A spokesperson for PPL said: “Whenever you play a sound recording in public, there are two separate licence fees to be paid.
“PPL distributes its licence fees to record companies, recording artists and musicians, and the Performing Rights Society collects a separate licence fee which they distribute to composers and music publishers.
“A licence is required for any event except a family or domestic gathering, such as a wedding reception or birthday party.
“PPL sometimes waives fees for charity events.”
As a result of the proceedings, Oswell, who was not present or represented in court, can expect a legal bill for £1,561, which must be paid within fourteen days.
She was not available for comment.
By Richard Wyatt
Share this article:
What are these?