AN ABERCARN pub has been banned from playing music after its owners were caught playing songs without a licence.

Sophie and Michelle Hart, the proprietors of the New Inn on Commercial Road, have been banned from playing music at the pub, or any other premises, after they were caught playing songs on the premises without a music licence.

Pubs, clubs, commercial premises and anywhere in the Gwent area where music is played publicly have received a sharp warning from the High Court to get their licences up to date.

They now face the prospect of a heavy fine or even prison if they disobey the order.

And, as a result of the proceedings, the Harts, who were not present or represented in court, can also expect a legal bill for £2,500, which must be paid by August 12.

Failure to obey the order and turn any premises they run into a music-free zone until all licence fees are brought up to date would be regarded as contempt of court, the penalties for which can be fines of up to £10,000 and up to two years prison.

The order was imposed after the the judge Mr Justice Mann, sitting in the High Court, heard that they were caught playing music on the premises when they did not hold a licence from music royalties collectors the Performing Rights Society (PRS).

The judge was told by counsel for PRS, Tom St Quintin, that one of their inspectors called at the premises on May 9 and heard tracks being played including "The Boys Are Back In Town", "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Caroline", even though no music licence was in force.

She said that solicitors had sent letters informing the Harts about the nature and extent of PRS's repertoire and the fact that the playing in public of sound recordings without its licence or permission constitutes infringement of its copyright, and inviting them to acquire a licence.

The PRS is a non-profit making organisation which collects licence fees for public performances of music and then distributes the cash among composers and music publishers. It represents the only practical way copyright fees can be collected for public performances.

A spokesman for PRS said: "Whenever you play a sound recording in public, there are two separate licence fees to be paid. PRS distributes its licence fees to composers and music publishers and Phonographic Performance Ltd collects a separate licence fee which they distribute to record companies, recording artists and musicians,.

"A licence is required for any event except a family or domestic gathering, such as a wedding reception or birthday party. PRS sometimes waives fees for charity events."