DRINKERS in a Bridge Street bar look set to be temporarily supping in silence after a High Court judge showed zero tolerance to failings in its music licence.
Mr Justice Lewison banned Bar Zero’s owner Mark Wells from playing music at the bar after hearing he had been caught playing copyrighted music on the premises without a licence from music royalties collectors Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL).
The judge heard that an inspector for PPL called at the premises last December 11, and heard recorded tracks being played in public including ‘I Swear’, ‘Giving You Up’ and ‘Gimme More’ while no licence was in force.
Wells, who was not present or represented in court on Thursday, now faces the prospect of a heavy fine or prison if he disobeys the order, which also applies to any other premises he runs.
He must also pay £1,955 in legal costs.
Wells was ordered not to play any more music at any premises he runs until he brings his music licence up to date.
The ban applies to all forms of mechanically recorded music such as records, tapes and CDs in PPL’s repertoire, which covers 97 per cent of all music.
Music licences can cost up to several thousand pounds depending on the size of the venue.
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