Landlady banned from playing music at pub

Patricia Fitzackerley faces a hefty fine or even prison if she disobeys the High Court order, which prevents her playing records at the Old Crown on Penistone Road, until she brings her music licence up to date.

The court heard Fitzackerley was caught out by inspectors who called at the pub on May 19 to hear tracks by artists including Madonna, Scissor Sisters and Jamelia being played - even though she did not have a Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) licence.

Despite warning letters from solicitors that she must buy a licence, Fitzackerley failed to obtain one.

The ban applies to all forms of mechanically recorded music, including records, tapes and CDs - covering 97 per cent of all music.

A PPL spokesman 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."

Fitzackerley was also ordered to pay 1,588 in costs within 14 days.

Click here to return to main news index.

strong>What do you think. Post your comments below.