PATRONS of a Kirklees pub look set for a quiet time, after a judge at London’s High Court banned its proprietor from playing music there.

Mr Justice Briggs banned Ian Phiffer from playing music at the New Packhorse, Moorside, Hartshead Moor, or any other premises he runs, after hearing he had been caught playing songs on the premises without a music licence.

Phiffer, who is listed in court papers as the proprietor and designated premises supervisor of the pub, now faces the prospect of a heavy fine or even prison if he disobeys the order.

He was not at court and not represented.

The judge ordered him not to play any more music at any premises he runs until he brings his music licence up to date.

Failure to obey the order and turn any premises he runs 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 pay-up or shut-up order was imposed after the judge heard that he was caught playing music on the premises when he did not hold a licence from music royalties collectors Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL).