THE landlady of a Kendal pub today paid a high price at London's High Court for playing music there without a licence.

Although High Court judge Mr Justice Hildyard heard that Helen Chorley has now paid her licence fee for the White Hart Hotel on Highgate, he nevertheless ordered her to pay an outstanding legal bill run up by music royalties collectors Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) in proceedings against her. She must pay £1,721 within 14 days.

The judge was told by counsel for PPL Ben Longstaff that Chorley was caught playing music at the pub when she did not hold a licence from PPL. He said that one of PPL's inspectors attended the premises on November 5 2011 and heard tracks being played including 'Rolling In The Deep' by Adele, 'Like A Prayer' by Madonna and 'Sexy And I Know It' by LMFAO.

PPL's licence scheme applies to all forms of mechanically recorded music such as records, tapes and CDs in PPL's repertoire, which covers 97 per cent of all music. Music licences can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, depending on the size of the venue and the audiences involved.

PPL spokesperson Clare Goldie said: "PPL is the UK-based music licensing company which licenses recorded music for broadcast, online and public performance use. Established in 1934, PPL carries out this role on behalf of thousands of record company and performer members.

"Public Performance licences are issued by PPL to hundreds of thousands of businesses and organisations from all sectors across the UK who play recorded music to their staff or customers and who therefore require a licence by law.

“These can range from bars, nightclubs, shops and hotels to offices, factories, gyms, schools, universities and local authorities.

"After the deduction of PPL’s running costs, all revenue collected is distributed to members. PPL does not retain a profit for its services.”