A SOUTHAMPTON club proprietor has been given a "pay-up or shut-up" ultimatum by one of the country's top judges.

Peter Green, proprietor of Jesters Niteclub, 114-118, Bevois Valley Road, Southampton, faced the legal music at London's High Court for playing music at the premises without a licence.

Now he has been left with the prospect of jail if he disobeys a music ban imposed on him.

Green was banned, by order of a High Court judge, from playing any more music at any premises he runs until he brings his music licences up to date.

If he disobeys the ban and does not turn any premises he runs into a music-free zone before all licence fees are brought up to date he will be in contempt of court and could, in addition to prison, also face a hefty fine.

As a result of the court proceeding he can now expect a legal bill for £1,162, which must be paid within 14 days.

The pay-up or shut-up order was imposed by Mr Justice Blackburne in London after he heard that Green 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 Alistair Abbot, counsel for PPL, that one of its inspectors called at the premises in February this year and heard several numbers being played even though no licence was in force.

In addition to the music ban and the legal costs order the judge also ordered an enquiry to assess any possible damages due to PPL from Green as a result of what has happened.

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