A PUB has been banned from playing music by London’s High Court.

Bradley Reeves, the proprietor of the Anchor, in Ferry Lane, Hullbridge, was taken to court after being caught playing copyrighted tracks without a licence from the Phonographic Performance.

An inspector visited the pub on June 5 and heard tracks played including, I Feel Like Loving You Today, by Donald Byrd.

Counsel for the PPL, Christopher de Mauny, said solicitors had sent letters informing Mr Reeves of the infringement and that he needed a licence.

He was also invited to apply for a licence.

When he failed to do so, he was served with the court order. Mr Reeves, who was not present or represented in court, now faces a fine of up to £10,000, or up to six months in prison, if he disobeys the order.

He must also pay a legal bill for £1,500 by February 8.

A spokesman for PPL said: “A licence is required for any event, except a family or domestic gathering, such as a wedding reception, or birthday party.”

The ban applies to any other premises Mr Reeves runs and applies to all forms of recorded music, such as records, tapes and CDs in PPL’s repertoire, which covers 97 per cent of all music.

Mr Reeves could not be contacted for comment.