A PUBLICAN from Bolton has been given a "pay-up or shut-up" ultimatum by one of the country's top judges.

And he has also been left facing a legal costs bill of more than £1,000.

Mr B J Winnard, of The Gilnow Arms, Deane Road, had a case brought before London's High Court for playing music at the premises without a licence.

And now he has been left with the possibility of jail if he plays music at any premises he runs in the future before he brings his licences up to date.

Mr Winnard, who was not at court and not represented, was banned by order of one of the country's top judges from playing any more music at any premises he runs until he brings his music licences up to date.

Disobedience of such an order can, in addition to a possible prison sentence, also result in a large fine. And, as a result of today's court proceeding, Winnard can now expect a legal bill of £1,210.03 which must be paid in 14 days.

The "pay-up or shut-up" order was imposed by Mr Justice Blackburne after he heard that Winnard was caught playing music at the premises when he did not hold a Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) licence.

The judge ruled that, until he brings his licence up to date, any premises he runs must be turned into a music-free zone.

The penalties for disobeying such an order are a fine of up to £10,000 and up to two years' prison for contempt of court.

The judge was told by George Hayman, counsel for PPL, that one of their inspectors called at the premises in October last year and heard numbers including "Crazy English Summer", "Reload" and "New Direction" being played, even though no licence was in force.

The ban applies to the playing of all forms of mechanically-recorded music such as records, tapes and CDs.