Three of Oxford's trendiest bars were playing music illegally in recent months as their owner had failed to update his music licence.

Bar Baby, in Cowley Road, east Oxford, and in Walton Street, Jericho, and the Love Bar, off High Street, were ordered to fall silent on Friday after proprietor Martin Forde was banned from playing music in any of his establishments.

Inspectors visited Bar Baby, 213 Cowley Road, last November and heard Filthy by Scissor Sisters, My Neck, My Back by Khia, Naughty Girl by Beyonce and Change Clothes by Jay Z be played without a Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) licence.

In his absence, Mr Forde was taken to the High Court on Friday and ordered not to play any more music at any other premises he runs until he brings his music licence up to date.

When contacted by the Oxford Mail Mr Forde was surprised to learn of the court order.

After the facts had been explained to him, he said on Friday. "My accounts department paid for an updated licence today or yesterday and it is business as usual."

He was told to pay a bill for legal costs of nearly £1,800 within 40 days. If the court order is disobeyed Mr Forde could be fined £10,000 or be given a two-year prison sentence. Mr Justice Evans-Lombe gave Mr Forde, who had no legal representation, the pay-up or shut-up ban which applies to all forms of mechanically recorded music such as records, tapes and CDs in PPLs repertoire, which covers 97 per cent of all music.

Solicitors for PPL had sent letters to the Bar Baby on June 14, July 5 and October 31 inviting him to acquire a licence but had no response.

Mr Forde was then served with a notice to go to court on December 14.

A Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) licence can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, depending on the size of the venue and the audiences involved.