Judge bans Norwich hairdresser's music

Michelle Pendred has ben banned from playing music in her salon

Customers at a Norfolk hair salon will have to rely on conversation for entertainment after a High Court judged banned its owner from playing music there.

Michelle Pendred , who owns and runs Divine Hair Studio, in Ashby Street, Norwich, faces a heavy fine or even prison if she disobeys the order imposed by Mr Justice Briggs, who heard she had been caught playing copyrighted music on the premises without a music licence.

Miss Pendred, 33, who was not present or represented in court, can also expect a legal bill for £1,600, which must be paid within 14 days, but says she does not have the money.

Miss Pendred, who set up in business three years ago and works alone, said she already had a PRS licence, which she believed to be sufficient and had been unaware of the court hearing.

She said she had played radio stations including Kiss, Heart and Radio One without realising she was breaking the law. “I'm upset about this and I do feel it's a bit harsh,” she said.

“I can't afford to pay that legal bill, so I guess they are going to have to send me to jail. It's very tough making ends meet and this added cost makes it even harder.

“I don't want to work all day without my music. It's going to upset my clients; they're not going to want to hear me singing. Perhaps I shall have to have singing lessons.”

The judge ordered her not to play any more music at any premises she runs until she brings her music licence up to date. Failure to comply would be regarded as contempt of court, carrying penalties of up to £10,000 and up to two years in prison.

He imposed the order on Wednesday after hearing Miss Pendred had been caught playing music without a licence from music royalties collectors Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL).

Thomas St Quintin, representing PPL, told the court one of its inspectors called at the salon on March 31 and heard recorded tracks being played in public, including Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) by Beyonce and Cupid's Chokehold by Gym Class Heroes.

He said solicitors had written to Miss Pendred, informing her that playing music in public required a licence and inviting her to buy one. When she failed to do so, they served her with the claim.

The ban 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.