Musical sting in the tail for bar

AN Oldham cocktail bar has faced the music - and a High Court judge - after playing recorded music without a licence.

A music ban was imposed on the proprietor of Bees Knees, Fairbottom Street, after inspectors found the premises had no right to play commercial tracks.

Mr Justice Newey ordered Blackstone Pub Co Ltd and manager Michael Blackburn to pay legal costs of £1,717 within 14 days.

The company and manager were ordered not to play music at any other premises until they obtain th correct licences.

Mr Blackburn says the venue now has new owners and will continue trading as normal - with all licences in place. Pub Co Ltd took over the Bees Knees in February, and the licence was transferred to Bean Leisure on May 29.

The ban applies to all forms of recorded music in Phonographic Performance Ltd’s collection. PPL operates the licensing system on behalf on record companies and performers.