A PUB has been banned from playing music until the owner updates its licence.

Punters at the Whitehall Tavern in Whitehill Road, Gravesend, look set to be drinking in silence after a High Court judge ordered Judith Taylor to pull the plug.

Taylor now faces the prospect of a heavy fine or even prison if she disobeys the order, and has already been left to pay legal costs of £1,525.

The pay-up or shut-up order was imposed on July 25 after the judge heard how she was caught playing music on the premises despite not holding a Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) licence.

Judge Justice Blackburne was told by counsel for PPL, Fiona Clark, that one of their inspectors visited the premises on July 5 last year.

The inspector heard tracks being played which included All Night Long' by Lionel Richie, So Many Times' by Gadso, I See Girls' by Studio B and Groove Jet' by Spiller, even though no licence was in force.

Ms Clark said solicitors sent letters to the premises telling Taylor that the playing of sound recordings in public without a licence was a breach of copyright. But Taylor failed to obtain the licence.

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."

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

Songs the Whitehall Tavern won't be playing:

Bjork - It's oh so quiet

Abba - Thank you for the music

The Beatles - While my guitar gently weeps

Black-eyed-peas - Shut Up

George Michael - Too Funky

Rhianna - Don't stop the music

Simon & Garfunkel - Sound of silence

Junior Senior - D-D-Don't Stop the Beat

Apollo 440 - Stop the rock

The Christmas Carol - Silent Night