Croydon bar banned from playing music (From Croydon Guardian)

Croydon bar banned from playing music

2:06pm Friday 10th February 2012 in Local news By Hannah Williamson

A bar in Croydon has been banned from playing music by a High Court judge.

Taberners Lounge Bar in St Georges Walk, have been banned from playing recorded music until it brings its licence up to date.

DRPM Bart Ltd, which own the bar, were also handed a £1,929 legal costs bill that must be paid within 14 days.

The company now faces the prospect of a heavy fine if it disobeys the order, which also applies to any other premises it runs.

The order was imposed after the judge heard the company was caught playing music on the premises when it did not hold a licence from music royalties collectors Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL).

Fiona Clark, counsel for PPL told the judge an inspector went to the premises on August 4, and heard tracks being played including 'Sing it Back' by Moloko, 'My, My, My' by Armand Van Helden and 'Red Alert' by Basement Jaxx.

PPL's solicitors sent letters to the premises inviting them to acquire a licence and informing them playing music without PPL's licence or permission constitutes infringement of its copyright.

But when the company failed to purchase a licence, PPL's solicitors served notice on the company.

The ban issued by Mrs Justice Proudman, applies to all forms of mechanically recorded music such as records, tapes and CDs.

Failure to obey the order and turn any premises into a music-free zones until all licences are brought up to date would be considered as contempt of court.

Penalties can be fines of up to £10,000 and up to six months prison for any individuals responsible.