LANDLORDS looking to boost flagging trade are being tempted to arrange entertainment without the proper licence, it has been claimed.

A licensing law expert says the high cost of public entertainment licences was encouraging publicans to flout the law.

And the chairman of Kidderminster Licensees Association Dave Hipkiss said with landlords struggling to survive, more were looking to cut corners.

" I can't condone their action but licensees have to look at ways to try to stay in business and I know that there are a few who put on one-off events without the proper licences and hope they can get away with it.

"The cost of public entertainment licences (PELs) has shot up and there are fees that have to be paid to various bodies if you put on live or recorded music.

"Some licensees believe you don't need a PEL for karaoke and plead ignorance. But it is clear that you do need one for karaoke and any entertainment involving two or more musicians," he said.

Licensing law expert Maynard Burton, of Wyre Forest-based solicitors Morton Fisher, said: "Licences are not just about raising money for the local authority. The survey that is part of applying for a PEL covers health and safety, fire escapes, precautions and electrics.

"Publicans holding events without a licence are playing a dangerous game, "he said.

He warned there were fines of up to £20,000 and/or six-months' imprisonment for licensees found guilty.

Fees are levied on a sliding scale and Wyre Forest District Council's fees have risen from £142 to £303 for venues accommodating up to 199 people. It charges £765 for numbers between 200 and 399 and £1,252 for 400-plus.

Mr Hipkiss, who runs the Tap House, Kidderminster, said it cost him more than £2,000 in annual fees to put on entertainment.

Apart from his PEL he was also required to pay the Performing Rights Society and Phonographic Performance Limited, bodies which look after the rights of composers and artists.

"That's before I pay the bands or bar staff so it does make you wonder whether it is all worthwhile," he said.