Sound of silence as nightclub gets music ban

A nightclub has been banned from playing music after it was caught blaring out dance tracks without the correct licence. It was caught by a music industry inspector.

Danette Simpson, proprietor of the Pulse nightclub in Dudley Road, Brierley Hill, now faces the prospect of a heavy fine or even prison if the court order is disobeyed.

High Court judge Mr Justice Sales imposed the ban after the club was caught playing copyrighted music on the premises without a licence from music royalties collectors the Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL).

And, as a result of the proceedings, Simpson, who was not present or represented in the court, can also expect a legal bill for £1,686, which must be paid in full within 14 days.

The judge ordered her not to play any more music at any premises she runs until she brings her music licence properly up to date.

The judge was told by Fiona Clark, counsel for PPL, that an inspector called at the premises on December 17 and heard recorded tracks being played in public, including those such as Stay Awake by Example, Get A Life by Freestylers and Killer by Scam.

Solicitors sent letters to the nightclub informing Simpson of the nature and extent of PPL's repertoire and the fact that the playing in public of sound recordings without a licence or permission is an infringement of its copyright, and inviting her to acquire a licence.

The club normally opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for adults and on Thursdays for youngsters.

Pulse regular Chad Hewitt, aged 21, of Addison Road, Hawbush, Brierley Hill, said: "I'm shocked. How can you have a nightclub without music?

"I was here for a boxing event a couple of weeks ago and they had music on then. It was great."

The ban applies to all forms of mechanically recorded music such as records, tapes and CDs in PPL's repertoire.

Music licences can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, depending on the size of the venue and the audiences involved.