A shop owner has been banned from playing music in his stores after being caught playing copyrighted tracks without a license.

Mohammed Khan, owner of the Urban Junction clothes store in the Whitgift centre was taken to court on Thursday after inspectors visited the store last year.

Phonographic Performance, which represents thousands of record labels are tasked with making sure businesses who play music have a valid license to do so.

Mr Khan, who denies the allegations, said he was merely playing mix tapes of local DJs and musicians and had no idea he had to have a license to do so.

Mr Khan said: “The music I was playing was only of local DJs and MCs and I was trying to promote them in the store.

“I don’t think I have done anything wrong in trying to help out some up-and-coming DJs to get their work out there.

“I sent the court a letter stating that I couldn’t get down to the court for the trial but they went ahead anyway.”

Under the order made by the court if Mr Khan is caught playing music in his store again he will face a large fine and/or imprisonment.

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

"A licence is required for any event except a family or domestic gathering.

"PPL sometimes waives fees for charity events, PPL takes infringement of its copyright very seriously and will take the necessary action to protect its rights and its members rights.”