AN EAST Lancashire landlord faced prison after a High Court order banned him from playing music in his pub.

The Florence Hotel, Blackburn, came close to a complete music ban when David Willett was taken to court for not having a licence.

A top judge barred him from playing music at the Moss Street pub until his music licences were brought up to date.

Judge Mr Justice Peter Smith said the landlord faced the prospect of a heavy fine or even prison if he disobeyed the order.

He has also been ordered to pay £1,704 legal fees.

The pub has since been taken over by new husband and wife licensees Arnold and Rose Mayor, who have received the relevant music permission.

The judge was told by Mark Chacksfield, counsel for Phonographic Performance Ltd, that one of their inspectors called at the premises in February and heard tracks being played, including Wrap My Words Around You by Daniel Bedingfield, Looking As You Are by Embrace, Cradle by Atomic Kitten and Closest Thing To Heaven by Tears For Fears, even though no licence was in force.

Arnold, 40, said: "We could have been in a lot of trouble. We were never told the pub didn't have a music licence when we took over and we played music all the time. It was not until a few weeks ago when we were contacted by PPL that we knew.

"It could have been very serious for us. I can't believe you can go to prison for playing Daniel Bedingfield.

"He's bad but not that bad!"

The pay-up or shut-up order was imposed after the judge heard that Willett was caught playing music on the premises when he did not hold a (PPL) licence.

A spokesman for Thwaites said: "We can confirm that the old landlord has left."