THE proprietors of a Blackburn hotel have paid the price for playing music without a licence.

London's High Court heard that Sonic Leisure Ltd have now brought their licence up to date for The Grapes Hotel, Northgate, Blackburn.

But a judge ordered them to pay £1,625 in legal costs run up by music royalties collectors Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) in legal action.

Mr Justice Lawrence Collins made the order after hearing that music had been played at the premises when no PPL licence was in force.

Had they not paid the licence fee, the company would also have been banned from playing music at any premises they run, with the threat of contempt of court proceedings had they ignored any ban.

Penalties for contempt of court can be fines of up to £10,000 and up to two years in prison for any individuals responsible.

The company, which was not represented, must pay the bill within 14 days.

The judge was told by Henry Ward, counsel for PPL, that one of their inspectors called at the premises on December 15 and heard tracks being played, including Hung Up' by Madonna, Stickwitu' by the Pussycat Dolls, and Advertising Space' by Robbie Williams, even though no licence was in force.

PPL's licences apply to some 97 per cent of all forms of mechanically recorded music such as records, tapes.

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

Nobody at the pub was available to comment on the matter.