A YORK lap-dancing club has been banned from playing music until it brings its licences up to date.

A High Court judge has told Bohemia nightclub in Micklegate it must get a new licence before it can play music. The company has also been given a £1,625 legal bill, to be paid within 14 days.

The “pay-up or shut-up” order was imposed after an inspector caught the club playing several tracks on August 28 last year when it did not hold a licence from music royalties collector Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL). If Bohemia plays music before the licence fees are brought up to date, it will be regarded as contempt of court, which could result in a fine of up to £10,000 and up to six months prison for those responsible.

The ban applies to all forms of mechanically-recorded music in PPL’s repertoire, which covers 97 per cent of all music. Jonathan Morrish, a PPL spokesperson, said: “It is a legal requirement in the UK for any business that plays recorded music in public to have a PPL licence.

“Tariffs will vary, but a PPL licence, which is issued on an annual basis, can cost as little as 14p per day.

“PPL takes infringement of its members’ copyright very seriously and we will take the necessary action to protect our members’ rights”.

Mr Justice Norris, one of the country’s top judges, heard that an inspector reported hearing tracks being played including Dakota by the Stereophonics, She’s So Lovely by Scouting For Girls, Tumble And Fall by Feeder, In The Morning by Razorlight and Same Jeans by The View.

The proprietors of the club – which on its web site describes itself as The Number 1 For Lap- dancing In York And Rotherham – are Charlie’s Angels Health Solutions Ltd which is based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

PPL’s solicitors had sent letters to the premises warning them to get a license. Following its failure to do so, PPL’s solicitors served notice of this claim on the company. The Press was unable to contact a spokesman for Bohemia yesterday.