The owner of a Wells hair salon faces a legal bill of more than £1,500 for having the radio on broadcasting music in his shop.

A High Court music ban was imposed on Ray Brook, proprietor of the Suede salon at 35 St Cuthbert Street, Wells, in London along with an order that he pay legal costs.

Mr Brook says he was shocked at the ruling because he had not had a letter to inform him of the court hearing.

He has now warned other businesses and shopkeepers to make sure their licences are up to date.

"It's ridiculous to have a bill like this for two girls in a tiny salon having the radio on, but it looks like I'll have to pay up. I'd recommend anyone who thinks they might need a licence to get one sorted out," he said.

The case went ahead without Mr Brook being present or being represented and Mr Justice Floyd banned him from playing music there after hearing that copyrighted tracks were played on the premises without a music licence.

As a result of the proceedings, he can also expect a legal bill for £1,533, which must be paid within 14 days.

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 six months in 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). But Mr Brook says that he negotiated a deal with PPL in December.

"They told me I needed a music licence so the girls could have a radio playing in the back of the shop, and said it would cost £255, which was just ridiculous.

"We got them to agree a price of £66, and I've been waiting for an invoice ever since.

"I have not had a letter telling me about a court date. This has come as complete shock."

The court heard that one of PPL's inspectors attended the premises on August 21 last year and heard tracks being played including Sticks N Stones by Jamie T, Love Games by Lady Gaga, Where Did All The Love Go? by Kasabian, Sweet Dreams by Beyonce and Smile by Lily Allen.

A spokesman for PPL said: "Whenever you play a sound recording in public, there are two separate licence fees to be paid.

"PPL distributes its licence fees to record companies, recording artists and musicians, and the Performing Rights Society collects a separate licence fee which they distribute to composers and music publishers. A licence is required for any event except a family or domestic gathering, such as a wedding reception or birthday party. PPL sometimes waives fees for charity events."