A TOWN centre watering hole has been banned from playing music by a High Court judge because of an out-of-date licence.

Taberners Lounge Bar in St George's Walk was this week forbidden from playing recorded music by a court order.

The order was imposed on Friday after judge Mrs Justice Proudman 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).

The bar was also given a £1,929 legal costs bill, which must be paid in full within 14 days – or risk being hauled back.

Prosecuting for PPL, Fiona Clark said inspectors had visited the premises on August 4 and heard tracks being played, including Sing It Back by Moloko, Show Me Love by Robin S, My My My by Armand Van Helden and Red Alert by Basement Jaxx.

PPL's solicitors sent letters asking them to buy a licence and informing them of the severity of copyright infringement.

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

The ban applies to all forms of mechanically-recorded music such as records, tapes and CDs.